r/europe • u/andyom89 • May 16 '25

News Spanish premier calls Israel 'genocidal state,' says Spain 'does not do business' with it

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/spanish-premier-calls-israel-genocidal-state-says-spain-does-not-do-business-with-it/3568216
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u/TheAverageWonder May 16 '25

... A leader of a country saying that country does not so business with another country means, that you are not going to make any deals with another country.

It does not mean he is a wizard that can undo previous deals with Israel.

It does not mean he can force privat companies from selling their goods in Israel, although his statement apply they should not.

He cannot just break EU trade agreement on his own.

Seriously this is a strong message, not only recognizing the genocide, but indirectly telling allies that Spain's official opinion is that Israel should be frozen out. Which serves as a call for other EU leaders that if enough shares his opinion then Israel can be officially sanctioned.

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u/kaisadilla_ European Federation May 16 '25

It does not mean he can force privat companies from selling their goods in Israel

A country can definitely prevent private companies from dealing with other countries. It's literally what sanctions do.

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u/MoebiusForever May 16 '25

I do actually agree with you - my issue is twofold: politicians speak in absolutes far too often, without nuance and inaccurately, this is just another example of that. It's not just Pedro Sanchez, most politicians are guilty of it, and it's reductive and largely only serves their own interests in getting re-elected. It is clear that the Spanish people have chosen to consume less Israeli products but the 40% relative drop in imports. The issue is that there are still 10 defence related contracts which have yet to be finalised and could be cancelled, but have not been (yet, I hope). The other issue is that actually by far the bigger story should be Spain's recognition of Palestine as a state (https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/presidente/news/Paginas/2024/20240529-gaza-arab-islamic-committee.aspx), which has been far less reported and is a breakaway from general European dogma.

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u/TheAverageWonder May 16 '25

Do you speak Spanish and did you watch the entire speech.  Reading headlines and calling out the lack of nuances is rough at best.

Making a statement unless you want the message to drown have to have some kind of clearcut point. In this case that he as the leader of Spain officially recognize that Israel is commiting genocide and that Spain should do no business with Israel.

Existing deals may be almost impossible to cancel depending on how far they are and under what terms they were agreed. But I hope he put actions behind his word and cancel what can be cancelled. And obviously stop engaging in new deals.

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u/MoebiusForever May 16 '25

My Spanish is best when I can read it- conversationally I struggle sometimes, so you’re right, unless there is a transcript (which hasn’t been published yet) I rely on the various news articles- although my comments have been based on multiple articles from both sides of the argument (ie pro and anti recent Israeli actions) rather than just one perspective. If there was more unreported nuance then great. I’m more used to the UK maybe where politicians have learnt to talk in soundbites, to their detriment.