A dose of reality for Pedro Sánchez

MadridPedro Sánchez enters the room with purpose, walks confidently with his folder under his arm, greets the cameras – “good morning” – and goes directly to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. A few pats on the back, a hearty laugh, and a friendly chat to stage a reconciliation afterward the clash over the role the German played alongside Donald Trump when he threatened Spain. The scene, which took place on Thursday in Brussels during the European Council meeting, is the clearest example of the ease with which Sánchez moves in the international arena. Knowing he is being watched, he feels recognized for his No to war within the European Union. A winner internally – the CIS (Spanish Center for Sociological Research) confirmed this week that the majority of Spaniards are against the attack on Iran – and also externally, because most European countries They have aligned themselves with the Spanish position against the US and Israeli attack. Political The thesis was endorsed this very week. First, it was a outsider...and now everyone wants to be by his side, he recounted.

However, in just 24 hours, Sánchez has had a rude awakening. This Friday at midday, the Spanish president entered a very different room: the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, preceded by several Socialist ministers with less than friendly expressions. He had been brought back down to earth, facing the complexities of domestic politics, after an exultant European Council meeting. In a farcical scene lasting over four hours, Sánchez ended up accepting Sumar's request to extend rental contracts for two years. A measure that Yolanda Díaz's party immediately publicized, despite knowing it was doomed to failure. Because if reality is stubborn at Moncloa, it's even more so in Congress.

A risky bet

It can be said, therefore, that the objective of the Spanish government to give weight to international policy in the final stretch of its term and The goal of making Sánchez the antithesis of Trump has been successfully achieved. The cabinet led by Diego Rubio can feel satisfied, despite having the audacity to implement a risky strategy: not because of the content of its narrative (who is in favor of war in Europe?), but because as She has defended her.

Some might ask whether it would be sustainable for all EU leaders to maintain a similar attitude to Sánchez. The Spanish president has pulled off a lucky gamble because he is playing both alone and under the umbrella of the EU. The clearest example was his speech on theNo to war"He did it without the approval of the entire EU and, instead, when he defended himself against Trump's tariff threat, he immediately took refuge in the fact that he is a member of the community club and that he cannot be punished without doing so with the rest."

Sánchez also took a firm stand against Trump on defense spending, and was the only NATO country to refuse to commit to 5%. He stated he would only contribute 2%. This gesture granted him moral leadership within the left, but it is only possible because the other member states do comply and contribute to the overall defense capabilities of the Atlantic Alliance. Therefore, Sánchez can continue to achieve international success as Trump's nemesis... as long as his partners are happy with him as the spearhead and don't tire of him.

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