Once a Small Vassal: The Conflict Between Berlin and Madrid Escalates 0 10

A week after Friedrich Merz's visit to the White House, the diplomatic scandal between Germany and Spain continues to escalate. Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz accused the Chancellor and other European leaders in an interview with Politico of being "unable to meet the historical moment."

"Europe needs leadership today, not vassals who bow to Trump," Díaz stated.

Previously, Donald Trump hosted Merz in the Oval Office. During a joint press conference, the American president criticized Spain. Madrid refused the U.S. use of Spanish military bases for strikes against Iran. Additionally, Spain did not support the demand to allocate five percent of GDP for defense.

Trump threatened the country with a trade embargo. Merz remained silent. He did not defend his European partner and did not comment on the threats. Later, at a CDU campaign event in Stockach ahead of the Baden-Württemberg state elections, the Chancellor explained his position.

"When the cameras are on, I am not going to start a dispute with the American president," Merz said.

According to him, behind closed doors, he pointed out to Trump that economic sanctions cannot be imposed against a single EU country. The Chancellor also emphasized that in matters of the defense of the European continent, Europe "at this moment remains dependent on the Americans."

These arguments did not convince Madrid. Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares sharply criticized Merz for refusing to support his EU partner. He stated that he could not imagine former Chancellors Angela Merkel or Olaf Scholz remaining silent in a similar situation.

The Spanish press was even harsher. Media outlets labeled Merz a "coward," and editorial articles contained accusations of betrayal of European solidarity. Yolanda Díaz, who leads the left-wing party Sumar and is a junior partner in Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's coalition, explained Merz's behavior with economic reasons.