Spanish Deputy Prime Minister criticized Merz's silence after US threats

On March 9, Spanish Deputy Prime Minister and Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his reaction to US President Donald Trump's remarks about Madrid during a meeting at the White House.

"Europe needs leadership today, not vassals who worship Trump," Diaz told Politico newspaper.

It is clarified that the Spanish leadership is still unhappy that Merz did not respond to Trump's harsh statements in the Oval Office. The Deputy Prime Minister said that some of the current European leaders, including the German Chancellor, do not understand how to act in the current international situation.

She stressed that Merz's support for Trump's course is linked to Germany's serious economic difficulties. The politician called for strengthening Europe's strategic independence. According to her, the European Union (EU) needs to develop its own industry and reduce dependence on external partners such as the United States and China.

Diaz expressed confidence that relations between Spain and Germany will remain, despite the differences that have arisen. But she is disappointed that a number of European leaders have not come out to condemn the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. According to her, EU representatives should clearly declare the protection of the norms of international law enshrined in the UN Charter.

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On March 9, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called for reforming the institutions of the European Union (EU) and its doctrine. According to her, if the EU considers it necessary to have a more realistic and interest-oriented foreign policy, then the bloc should be able to implement it.

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