Spain's participation in the new US mission in the Red Sea requires a vote in Congress

The Government could circumvent the procedure if it gets involved in the mission with 'Atalanta' means, but it does not seem willing

MADRID, 23 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Spain's participation in the 'Guardian of Prosperity' mission announced by the United States to respond to attacks by Houthi rebels on ships transiting the Red Sea would mean a vote in Congress to approve it, and several of the usual parliamentary partners have already They have shown their rejection of the operation.

Spain has shown its reluctance to participate in the mission since Washington's announcement, which alleges that it is necessary because "the recent escalation in Houthi attacks from Yemen threatens the free flow of trade, endangers the lives of innocent sailors and represents a breach of international law".

At first, the Ministry of Defense made its involvement in the operation subject to EU and NATO decisions and stated that it would not participate "unilaterally." Shortly after, the European Union decided to support the United States mission through operation 'Atalanta', which has a strong Spanish component. Specifically, the countries of the bloc would "intensify the sharing of information" and "increase the presence with additional naval assets" in coordination with the US mission, which is already supported by twenty countries.

However, Spain has blocked the EU decision, where political reasons are pointed out to explain this veto. Specifically, he paralyzed the formalization in the Council, "suddenly and without giving any reason", after Spanish diplomats asked to consult the changes in the 'Atalanta' operation.

With a performance stage in the Horn of Africa and up to the Gulf of Aden, 'Atalanta' is dedicated to the fight against piracy and prevention of acts of armed robbery in the Indian Ocean with a mandate until the end of 2024. In front is Vice Admiral of the Spanish Navy Ignacio Villanueva Serrano and Spain contributes 40% of the forces, in addition to two frigates and unmanned aerial means.

European sources consulted by Europa Press report that behind the Government's turnaround is that the parliamentary forces of Congress "were not amused" by the United States' announcement that Spain would participate in the mission.

Organic Law 5/2005, of November 17, on National Defense, establishes in its article 4 that it is up to Congress to authorize, in advance, the participation of the Armed Forces in missions outside the national territory.

Furthermore, and as is the case with 'Guardian of Prosperity', for operations abroad that are not directly related to the defense of Spain or the national interest, the Government must carry out a prior consultation and obtain authorization from the Lower House. .

But the possible participation of Spain in the United States mission has not been well received within some of the formations that usually support the Executive and even the second vice president and leader of Sumar, Yolanda Díaz, called the proposal "hypocritical." speed to deploy it because it is aimed at protecting commercial interests, while it does not act with the same speed when international legality is violated in Gaza.

The leader of Podemos, Ione Belarra, has expressed herself along the same lines, warning that it would be "unbearable hypocrisy" for Spain to "follow the interests" of the United States in the Red Sea, when the North American country is "arming " to Israel in the middle of a "genocide" in the Gaza Strip.

Spanish involvement in the Red Sea also "concerns" the BNG, whose parliamentary spokesman, Néstor Rego, already said that it would be "unacceptable" as Washington attempts to "safeguard Israel's commercial interests." Rego demands from the Executive a "firm and independent" position on the matter, in addition to being "detached from US guidelines and "not subject" to its criteria and interests. Likewise, in a battery of parliamentary questions, he reminds him that Spanish participation does not has been authorized by the Cortes.

At this point, the role of the PP could be decisive and, with its support, Congress could give the green light to Spain's participation in 'Guardian of Prosperity'. In fact, the 'popular' leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, put this matter on the table in the meeting held on Friday with the president, Pedro Sánchez, who conveyed "maximum caution" on the matter and guaranteed him that, when the Government know "all the information about the mission" would be conveyed to him.

Feijóo already said that he considers Spain's involvement in the operation "correct", although, when Spain's participation was announced by the United States and before the Defense qualified it, he criticized that it was done "without informing Parliament, ignoring the institutions and ignoring democratic procedures."

Also the deputy secretary of Institutional Action of the PP, Esteban González Pons, has recriminated Spain's veto in the EU, ensuring that the Government "does not stop making strange things in foreign policy." He demands a "clear explanation that does not sound like a lie" from the Executive.

However, there is a possibility that the Government can circumvent the parliamentary procedure. Sources from the Ministry of Defense clarify to Europa Press that, if Spain becomes involved in the Red Sea mission with means and troops from 'Atalanta', it would not be necessary to go through the parliamentary procedure. But, given the veto in the EU, he does not seem willing.