Sánchez consolidates for power, but it will backfire

Global Progressive Mobilisation

Pedro Sánchez has assumed a new and aggressive role in international politics. This weekend, the Spanish prime minister delivered a speech at Global Progressive Mobilisation (GPM), where he is leading the formation of a new global bloc aimed at challenging Western conservatism through progressive social democracy, technocratic control, and alliances with the Global South. In his speech, Sánchez appealed with visionary force to global solidarity, social justice, and the need for a community that protects the most vulnerable in the face of future crises. Behind this suggestive rhetoric lies a stated objective to transform the traditional understanding of what it means to be an ally of the West.

Geopolitical crisis as a political tool

Sánchez applies methods developed during the COVID pandemic. Under the state of emergency, he implemented radical political measures, including establishing close alliances with China. This laid the foundation for Sánchez’s power structure.

During March and April this year, Sánchez has repeatedly challenged Trump’s vision for Western trade alliances, as the American president seeks to make the West independent of China. Sánchez refuses to join the US-led supply chain for critical minerals (FORGE), a position he shares with the EU and mineral-rich Norway, read more here.

Challenges the US, the Middle East and the EU

Sánchez has also challenged the United States and its Middle Eastern allies in the Abraham Accords, first by denying the use of Spanish bases and airspace in the war against Iran, and then by urging the EU to cut ties with Israel. Rhetorically, he frames this as a defense of international law and a necessary fight against Western double standards, insisting that the same moral principles must apply in the Middle East as in Ukraine.

As a consequence, Sánchez’s actions may contribute to a situation in which the Middle Eastern alliance blocks shipping through the Suez Canal, delaying the flow of goods from China as vessels are forced to reroute around Africa. This poses a threat to European industry, which Sánchez may benefit from, as it creates an opportunity to position Spain. The resulting economic shock and shortages of goods could create a climate that justifies state intervention in the market and the introduction of emergency laws. While this is not essential to Sánchez’s ideological goals, the situation could enable the realization of strategic plans to establish Spain as the new main gateway for European transport. This would not only make the European continent dependent on Spanish-controlled infrastructure, but also contribute to bringing the EU closer to China.

In 2020, during his first presidential term, Donald Trump recognized Morocco. In January this year, King Mohammed VI agreed to participate in Trump’s peace board. In early April, Trump announced that the United States is establishing a drone base in Morocco, which could indicate that the U.S. is preparing for a military conflict in the Strait of Gibraltar.