The war tension generated during this last week in the Middle East with the United States, Israel and Iran as protagonists has led the rest of the countries to mobilize and get involved in the conflict, either in one way or another. While countries like China or Russia “are supporting Iran politically and in other ways”, as confirmed by the Iranian foreign minister, French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron has decided to follow in Sánchez’s footsteps, maintaining that “France is not waging a war in this region”, but “protects the French, its allies, and supports Lebanon”.
The “no to war” promoted by the President of the Government, without wanting to commit to one side or the other, has caused the division of opinions, especially after the decision to send the ship Christopher Columbus to participate in the European naval operation together with France, Greece, Italy and the Netherlands in Cyprus.
“The message that Sánchez has sent is very powerful”
In today’s gathering of More than OneMamen Mendizábal wanted to defend Sánchez’s position on international matters. Mendizábal emphasizes that “there is a foreign policy” and that “the message that Sánchez has sent is very powerful.”
Mendizábal maintains that “we can laugh at him all you want” but, despite criticism, the Spanish president’s international strategy has had impact and support at the European level. According to him, several European leaders have been modifying their positions as the days go by and have shown greater support for the Spanish Executive.
In this context, the journalist also recalled recent episodes of international diplomatic tension, alluding to situations that occurred in the White House that involved leaders such as German Chancellor Merz and Donald Trump, to emphasize that the Spanish position is not isolated within the European panorama.
Movement in internal and electoral politics
Mamen Mendizábal also maintained that part of the international decisions of the President of the Government can also be understood in terms of internal and electoral politics. During the radio debate, Mendizábal argued that the Executive’s foreign policy strategy cannot be separated from the national political context and the proximity of electoral processes, such as the Castilla y León elections on March 15.
As he explained, the political focus in Spain is on local elections and the mobilization of the progressive electorate. “What everyone has in focus are the local elections,” he explains, ensuring that he is looking for “how to encourage the vote of the left also in the face of the elections.”
The journalist pointed out that the international positions adopted by the Government also respond to this internal scenario. In his opinion, Sánchez’s decisions “are also designed with a view to our territory”, that is, with the aim of strengthening his electoral base within Spain.
