SALF, Bildu and Podemos, the Spanish parties that did not support credit aid to Ukraine

On Tuesday, the European Parliament overwhelmingly approved granting Ukraine a loan of up to 35 billion euros.

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This loan will be paid by Ukraine from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. The text of the resolution (see PDF) indicates the reason for the need for this loan as follows:

"Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has caused tremendous damage in Ukraine, with estimated recovery and reconstruction costs of USD 486 billion as of 31 December 2023. Moreover, Ukraine has lost access to international financial markets and experienced a significant drop in public revenue, while public expenditure has increased substantially. Against that background, substantive funding needs for the coming years can be foreseen."

It should be noted that Russia is not only destroying Ukraine with weapons, but is also ruining its economy, a damage that will take years to repair once the war is over. Ukraine needs military and also economic aid to be able to face the aggression ordered by Vladimir Putin against that country.

The initiative was approved with 518 votes in favour, 56 against and 61 abstentions. As far as the Spanish parties are concerned, it has been one of the texts that has gathered the most support in relation to Ukraine. The votes of each MEP can be consulted here (pages 4 and 5):

• PSOE, PP, Vox, Sumar, PNV, Compromís and ERC have voted in favour.
• As for the parties that have been holding more pro-Russia positions since the last legislative period, EH Bildu and Podemos have abstained and the BNG has not participated.
• Finally, two MEPs from Se Acabó la Fiesta (SALF), Alvise Pérez and Diego Solier, were the only Spanish MEPs who voted against. SALF MEP Nora Nunco did not participate in this vote.

The fact that SALF is adopting a position that is more favourable to Russian interests than Bildu and Podemos is something to think about. Of course, I am very glad that I did not vote for that option.