José Manuel Albares is the Spanish government's foreign minister who, more than anyone else, has stood out in the international debate of recent times. With his firm rejection of war in Iran, his denunciation of what he calls Israel's genocide in Gaza, and his criticism of US migration policies, his president, the socialist Pedro Sánchez, has become the only leader in Europe to say "no."
"We are coherent and act in accordance with the values of peace and solidarity of Spanish society, and I am sure that these are also the values of the vast majority of Europeans," Albares explains in this interview with La Repubblica.
In an escalation of relations with Israel, Spain has officially recalled its ambassador to Tel Aviv. Why now?
"The Spanish embassy in Israel is fully functional. It is headed by a chargé d'affaires, as has the Israeli embassy in Spain for almost two years, since Israel expelled its ambassador. So we are exactly at the same level."
"All this time, Spain has tried to maintain the best possible relations, despite the constant insults and slander from Israel against Spain and the Spanish people, which were repeated again last week in a very aggressive way. This goodwill from Spain has not been returned either on the diplomatic level or in the minimum respect that is expected between the two countries."
The decision came shortly after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard promised safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz to countries that attract Israeli and American ambassadors. Doesn't it risk appearing as if Spain is bowing to this pressure?
"The decision was made before that statement and has absolutely nothing to do with it. We are talking about completely different things. Spain has condemned every massive human rights violation by the Iranian regime against its own population and will continue to do so."
We have supported all European Union sanctions, including those against the Revolutionary Guard, and we have defended and will continue to demand respect for the right to freedom of expression and protest for all Iranians. Especially for the brave Iranian women, for whom it is much more difficult and dangerous to take to the streets.
We also condemn Iran's unjustified attacks on Middle Eastern countries."
The news has been met by Donald Trump with a new threat to cut off trade relations with Madrid. Are you afraid of such consequences?
"There is no reason to fear retaliation. Spain is a reliable NATO ally, with a historical military presence on the eastern flank. We defend the airspace of the Baltic countries, we have troops in Slovakia, Latvia, Romania, Turkey and an important presence in the NATO mission in Iraq."
"In addition, we are an important trading partner for the US, which has a trade surplus with Spain. Of course, we also count on European solidarity."
The Minister emphasizes that the European Union must protect the international order and international law.
"Europe is a peace project and must continue to be so. Now we must work on de-escalation and reducing tensions. For this reason, I have intensified contacts with my counterparts in the Middle East.
"Spain does not and will not support any action that could reinforce this war."
