The image released today during the NATO summit in The Hague and the position occupied by the leaders of the Alliance, could be interpreted as an analysis of what is happening in the Alliance itself.
Trump, in the foreground
In the foreground, President Donald Trump. It appears right in the center, in the front row and flanked by NATO general secretary, Mark Rutte. That is, clear protagonist of the family photo. However, in contrast, it is observed Pedro Sánchez, displaced towards the corner of the groupat the end of the photo and moving away from the central position occupied by other leaders.
This visual framework and the positions of each leader, reflect thatThe differences between the two countries regarding defense spending.
The expense in defense
Trump, with his dominant position and his acquaintance insistence on increasing defense spendingit is positioned as central figure, and in the images he looks smilingas if he claimed for himself the prominence of the moment. On the contrary to Pedro Sánchez, who shows much more seriousness from that remote position.
This coincides with recent diplomatic tensions derived from its refusal to compromise Spain with the increase in 5 % of the GDP in defense, opting for a more nuanced expenditure approach, around 2.1 %, and requesting a more “flexible” formula.
It is only a family photo, and perhaps the position that each leader occupies is random or is formed according to the order of arrival, but It undoubtedly reflects the tensions of the moment.
The president’s explanation
At the press conference, Pedro Sánchez was questioned about his “loneliness” at this summit. And not only for the family photo, but for the moments when the rest of the leaders spoke and he was sitting in his chair. That’s what he replied “And why not? I don’t understand why I can’t sit in my chair just prepare the summit. I understand that now whatever you do, this does not mean anything, there will be more opportunities. I think it has been more important to be achieved that this kind of thing”
The interaction between Trump and Sánchez
In addition to the photo, the Interaction between Sánchez and Trump during the summit has also been the subject of attention. Despite coinciding at the dinner offered by the kings of the Netherlands and participating together in the official photoboth leaders did not greeted or exchanged words During the event, which further underlines coldness in their relationships.
