AssetID: 55543509
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Spanish Deputy PM Criticizes Merz for Silence During Trump Tirade
Caption: Spanish Deputy PM Criticizes Merz for Silence During Trump Tirade. Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for staying silent when Donald Trump attacked Spain during a White House meeting. Trump had threatened to cut trade ties with Spain and criticized Madrid for refusing to allow U.S. aircraft to use Spanish bases in strikes on Iran. Díaz said Europe needs strong leadership rather than leaders who “pay homage” to Trump. Merz defended his silence, saying he did not want to worsen tensions by challenging Trump publicly during the Oval Office press conference. Spain’s foreign minister José Luis Albares also criticized Merz for failing to defend a fellow EU member. Spanish media sharply attacked the German chancellor, with some commentators calling his response weak and lacking solidarity. Attempts by Merz to call Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez failed due to an outdated phone number. German officials insisted relations between Berlin and Madrid remain strong and emphasized European solidarity against possible U.S. trade threats. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Yolanda Díaz,Friedrich Merz,Donald Trump,Pedro Sánchez,José Luis Albares,Spain Germany tensions,Oval Office meeting,EU solidarity,Trump trade threat Spain
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