Posted on 01/21/2025 6:47:04 PM PST by SeekAndFind
panish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has become the first European leader to openly criticise newly inaugurated U.S. president Donald Trump—although he avoided naming him directly.
In a speech posted to X just moments before the inauguration, Sánchez denounced what he referred to as the “technocaste” of Silicon Valley billionaires, accusing them of using their social media influence to undermine democratic processes. This was a clear reference to tech moguls such as Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter, and Mark Zuckerberg, who has recently taken a more conciliatory view to the 47th U.S. president.
Speaking at the Hispania 2040 event in Madrid, Sánchez called on the European Union to take a stand against these forces, framing it as a battle for democracy. “The democracy we defend is not one tweet, one vote; it’s one person, one vote,” he declared, urging the EU to confront what he sees as a rising transatlantic threat.
While Sánchez is no doubt saying what many other European leaders are really thinking, his decision to speak out first raises questions about his motivations. Critics argue that Sánchez’ harsh critique of Trump and his allies is more about personal ambition than principle. By casting himself as a global leader in the fight against populism, he is trying to distract from scandals at home.
The Sánchez government has been plagued by allegations of corruption and accusations of undermining democratic norms. Notable incidents include the mishandling of €30 million in COVID-related contracts and an influence-peddling case involving his wife, Begoña Gómez. Additionally, Sánchez has been criticised for consolidating power within Spain’s public broadcaster, RTVE, in what opponents call a blatant attempt to silence dissent.
Opposition leaders in Spain have not held back. Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the Partido Popular accused Sánchez of “anti-democratic drift” and compared him to former dictator Francisco Franco, citing power grabs and constitutional violations. In Brussels, the European People’s Party has hinted at pursuing rule of law procedures against Sánchez’ government, though no concrete actions have been taken.
Ironically, while Sánchez accuses Trump of undermining democracy, his own record raises questions about his commitment to the very principles he claims to champion. His attempts to position himself as a defender of democracy may resonate internationally, but at home, they are seen by many as a deflection from his administration’s scandals and failings.
The hapless Sánchez’ statement coincides with the publication of a European Council on Foreign Relations report which explicitly warns EU politicians, saying:
Rather than attempt to lead a global liberal opposition to Trump, they should understand their own strengths and deal with the world as they find it.
Wait, he’s unhappy with Zuckerberg because Facebook stopped participating in government censorship?
Somebody needs to grab this slob and slap them around a bit. Help them get their head on straight.
Pedro Sánchez should take in all of our illegal Hispanics.
It’s only common sense.
As per loved ones who’ve been there recently: the energy in Spain is just off right now. Hyper secular, unconfident, austere. The younger generation envies Latin America for being “where it’s at” as far as the Spanish-speaking world is concerned. No pride in history or heritage right now. They’re in need of a MAGA of their own.
People still have to vote in Spain, yes?
Well if he thinks he’s the best man for the job, then he needs to make that case to the voters without first squelching dissent.
When they come crying to the US after Erdogan starts swallowing them up in his Neo-Ottoman empire, they’re on their own. Son estúpidos!
Now the Argentines, they were really thorough: killed the Commies, their teachers & professors, their families, anyone associated with them. It was as though they were all infected with a deadly, communicable disease.
Sounds scorned.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez lashes out at Trump? This yahoo needs to get a grip. How can Spain let him be their leader as Prime Minister since 2018? He needs to do other things more useful to Spain like developing their own AI technology.
Well, the ancestors of Spain did rape the Aztec women to create Mexicans.
Dear Morons in the Alt Left
He was elected. STOP lying for once
Im going to say it again: phuque Europe. They have nothing we need to be any part of.
Apparently he forgot what Zuck did to fight Trump in the 2020 election.
What in the world is his point? Is it just that he doesn’t want to kiss the ring?
Spain has never been conservative at all, so he doesn’t surprise me . He knows nothing about the principles of Democracy, as they relate to freedom & capitalism.
“Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has become the first European leader to openly criticise newly inaugurated U.S. president Donald Trump”
Keep it up Europe - we MAGAs greatly APPRECIATE your support (unintended or not) in helping to bring home our troops from Europe and having Europe deal with the now much-stronger Russia on their own.
Another euro-kleptocrat not able to handle free speech.
Point in case.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.