Spain criticizes the silence of German Chancellor Merz in the face of Trump's threats: "What Europe needs today is leadership, not vassals who pay tribute to Trump."

Tensions between Madrid and Berlin have increased after Donald Trump threatened Spain with a trade embargo, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz did not react.

Spanish Deputy Prime Minister, Yolanda Diaz, stated that Europe needs leaders, not vassals who pay homage to Trump. Merz explained that he did not intervene to avoid worsening the situation, but this did not calm Spanish officials, who criticized him for the lack of support towards a member state of the EU.

The Spanish press called Merz "lame", and the German Foreign Minister emphasized that Germany remains solidary with Spain.

Diaz expressed hope that relations between the two countries will overcome these tensions, but criticized the reluctance of European leaders to condemn the United States' attacks on Iran.