Pedro Sánchez, Master of the Fight Against Donald Trump

In a bold geopolitical maneuver, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is carving out a distinct international role for himself and Spain, one that directly challenges the policies and rhetoric of Donald Trump. This strategy, which frames Sánchez as a champion of the Global South and an advocate against war, appears to be resonating domestically, as evidenced by recent shifts in Spanish opinion polls. While the conservative People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox initially held significant leads, Sánchez's Socialist party (PSOE) has seen a notable increase in support, suggesting his assertive foreign policy stance is gaining traction.

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Trump announced that he would 'cut economic relations' with Spain in response to the kingdom's refusal to allow the Americans to use their bases in Rota (navy) and Morón (air force).

The catalyst for this intensified strategy appears to be Trump's threat to sever economic ties with Spain following disagreements over the use of US military bases and defense spending. Instead of backing down, Sánchez seized the opportunity to publicly denounce Trump's stance, leveraging his position as the leader of the International Socialist movement. This move has transformed a potential diplomatic setback into a platform for projecting Spain as a key player in global affairs, particularly in advocating for a multipolar world order.

Sánchez's initiative is further solidified by the upcoming summit in Barcelona, themed 'No to War.' This gathering is set to host prominent leaders from Latin America, including the presidents of Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Uruguay, as well as the president of South Africa and the prime minister of Lithuania, among others. The participation of European Council President Charles Michel and German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil lends further weight to the event, signaling a growing international alignment behind Sánchez's vision.

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The Prime Minister, who is already the president of the Socialist International, has launched himself as the leader of the Global South.

This strategy is particularly significant from a Spanish perspective. For years, Spain has sought to assert its influence on the international stage, often navigating the complexities of its relationship with both the European Union and Latin America. Sánchez's proactive approach, directly confronting a figure like Trump and rallying diverse global leaders, positions Spain as a more independent and assertive actor. It also highlights a divergence in foreign policy approaches within the transatlantic alliance, with Sánchez championing multilateralism and dialogue over unilateral actions, a narrative that resonates particularly well in regions often critical of US foreign policy. This positions Spain not just as an EU member, but as a distinct voice advocating for a different global order.

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The summit in Barcelona organized this Friday under the slogan 'No to War' is the next stage of this strategy.