Sánchez to seek third term in office

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has brushed off calls for his resignation, even from members of his own party, and reaffirmed his commitment to lead the Socialist Party (PSOE) into the next general election in 2027.

The claim comes despite a political storm triggered by the involvement of former PSOE deputy leader Santos Cerdán in the ongoing Koldo corruption probe.

At the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24-25, tensions heightened between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and US President Donald Trump over Spain’s refusal to commit to NATO’s proposed 5 per cent GDP defence spending target. Sánchez argued that Spain could meet NATO’s military capability requirements by spending 2.1 percent of its GDP, a stance that drew sharp criticism from Trump and other allies. Trump publicly lashed out, calling Spain’s position “terrible” and threatening to impose double tariffs on Spain in future trade deals, though it was unclear how this could be implemented since Spain negotiates trade as part of the European Union.

Sánchez hints at third run at Prime-Ministership

Speaking at a press conference following the NATO summit in The Hague on Wednesday, Sánchez projected confidence rather than humility at the ‘best performing economy in the world’s inability to meet the same percentage of participation as other nations in NATO at such a crucial moment in geopolitical history.

Dismissing speculations of an early election, he asserted that his parliamentary majority “remains solid”, even as coalition partners and ex PSOE presidents have voiced criticisms and suggestions of a vote of no confidence in recent weeks.

The NATO summit saw member states agree to increase military spending to 5 per cent of GDP, a target Sánchez admitted Spain would not meet. Undeterred, he reiterated his determination to run again for president in 2027, jokingly adding that he might still be in office in 2029 when NATO reviews its members’ military capability goals. “We’ll see,” he said with a laugh, giving an idea of his long-term political ambitions.

Sánchez brushes aside recent scandals

Addressing the Koldo scandal, which has rocked Spanish politics, Sánchez referenced last week’s raid by the Central Operational Unit (UCO) at PSOE’s Ferraz headquarters, where Cerdán’s device was seized, he reiterated the government’s cooperation with the judiciary, stating, “This is the time for justice, and the Spanish government will collaborate, as it must.” Sánchez also took a swipe at the opposition Popular Party (PP), recalling a past UCO raid on their headquarters where “computers were destroyed with hammers.” “That’s the big difference,” he quipped, highlighting what he sees as his party’s transparency.

Despite mounting pressure from the opposition, Sánchez’s resolute stance shows his determination, despite the polls, despite the calls for his resignation, and despite threats of a no-confidence vote, to move past the scandal (into the summer recess) and maintain control through to the end of his term in 2027 and onto another possible term as president.