Today in Focus – ‘El Guapo’: The Spanish PM Standing Up to Trump

Podcast: Today in Focus (The Guardian)
Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Nosheen Iqbal
Guest: Guy Hedgeko (journalist, Madrid; former editor-in-chief, El País English edition)

Episode Overview

This episode explores the rise of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as a rare, outspoken critic of Donald Trump among European leaders, particularly in the wake of controversial US foreign policy moves including the Iran conflict. Host Nosheen Iqbal speaks with Madrid-based journalist Guy Hedgeko about Sanchez's background, political style, record, polarizing domestic standing, and his bold approach to global affairs that sets him apart from Europe’s more cautious political consensus.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Context: US and Israel’s Attack on Iran ([01:26])

• Most Western leaders remained silent following the US-Israeli attack on Iran, wary of antagonizing Trump or risking alliances.
• Exception: Pedro Sanchez, Spain's Prime Minister, publicly condemned the attack, stating:

  “We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world and that is also contrary to our values and interests just because we might fear reprisals from some.” (Pedro Sanchez, [02:14])

2. Who Is Pedro Sanchez? ([03:36])

• Background: Trained economist, rose through Spain’s Socialist Party to become PM in 2018—the first after a successful no-confidence motion since Spain’s return to democracy.
• Known for a progressive agenda: Feminist reforms, LGBTQ rights, and strong commitment to the green economy.
• Style & Image: Frequently called “El Guapo” (“the handsome one”) for his good looks and camera presence. First Spanish PM with strong English language skills.

  “He’s very suave...looks very much at ease in front of the camera...His looks at times have even worked against him...They almost use that as a weapon against him to suggest he’s a bit vacuous.” (Guy Hedgeko, [04:32])

3. Domestic Performance & Polarization ([05:28])

• Deeply polarizing figure in Spain—admired by progressives for tackling Franco-era legacies, advancing rights, and advocating for immigration.

  “He has made the argument that Spain needs immigrants. Its economy...will need a large influx of migrants...The government is beginning a mass legalization of undocumented migrants...” (Guy Hedgeko, [06:20])

• Facing multiple scandals: Judicial investigation into his wife’s business affairs, his brother facing trial, and senior Socialist figures embroiled in graft allegations.
• Despite opposition, Sanchez outperforms right-wing and far-right leaders in polls, though is a “figure of hate” for right-wing voters.

4. Sanchez’s Foreign Policy: Crossing Trump ([09:25])

• Gaza: Vocal critic of Israel’s actions post-October 7; among the first European leaders to recognize Palestinian statehood.

  “The whole world is shocked at the image that we see coming from Gaza every day. The number of Palestinians killed is truly unbearable.” (Pedro Sanchez, [09:43]) “With this decision, Spain joins the more than 140 countries that already recognize Palestine...to contribute to achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians.” (Pedro Sanchez, [10:08])

• Venezuela: Condemned US military intervention and the capture/extraction of President Nicolas Maduro.

  “The future of Venezuela has to be decided by the people of Venezuela, of course, with the commitment of the international community.” (Pedro Sanchez, [11:13])

• NATO & Defense: Refused Trump’s demand for NATO states to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP, prioritizing spending on social needs.

  “[Sanchez] refused outright, said that Spain had to spend that money on hospitals and schools and so on. And that really is what seems to have riled Trump.” (Guy Hedgeko, [12:06])

• Iran Conflict: After the US attack, Sanchez not only condemned the move but also denied the US access to key military bases in Spain.

  “Now Spain actually said that we can't use their bases, and that's all right...But they were unfriendly.” (Donald Trump, [12:58])

5. The Domestic-International Strategy ([14:03])

• Sanchez’s robust foreign policy moves reflect both personal conviction and domestic political strategy:

  “The opposition is saying this is just a smokescreen for his own problems at home. But I think Sanchez does genuinely see himself now as this sort of left wing figure on the international stage.” (Guy Hedgeko, [14:19])

• He positions himself as Europe’s main left-wing counter to the rising tide of right-wing politics.
• Within Spain, uses his international stance to remind voters of the contrast between the left (his party) and the threat of a radical right government.

6. European Reaction and Practical Risks ([16:01])

• In the EU, Sanchez is regarded both as an influential leader and as an outlier, sometimes complicating consensus (especially for Commission President von der Leyen).
• UK and other countries walk a diplomatic tightrope with Trump; Sanchez's open defiance makes his position clearer and, in some ways, easier domestically.
• The threat of Trump’s trade retaliation against Spain is politically useful to Sanchez, given Trump’s deep unpopularity in Spain.

  “If he [Trump] was going to carry out any economic reprisals against Spain, then he would have to do so against the whole of the European Union...it could get complicated.” (Guy Hedgeko, [17:13])

7. On Military and NATO Alignment ([18:42])

• Spain has deployed a navy frigate to defend Cyprus, asserting solidarity within the EU but distinctly separating this from support for US/Israeli attacks.
• Sanchez emphasizes Spain as a “reliable partner” for NATO and the EU but firmly against violating international law.

8. Political Prospects: Can Standing Up to Trump Save Sanchez? ([20:53])

• Despite his bold international stances, domestic politics remain challenging:
  • The right still holds a lead in polls.
  • Sanchez’s stand enjoys majority public support (anti-Trump sentiment is high), but international issues alone won’t likely determine election outcomes.

  “Some people are suggesting that Sanchez might suddenly call a snap election and try and capitalize on this support...I think that's unlikely...it would take something bigger than an international issue to swing things back towards the left.” (Guy Hedgeko, [21:26])

• Sanchez is seen as “a survivor” but would need an extraordinary event to reverse the rightward trend.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pedro Sanchez on rights and empathy:
  “Some say we've gone too far, that we're going against the current. But I would like to ask you, when did recognizing rights become something radical? When did empathy become something exceptional? Spain is above all, a welcoming country and this is the path we choose. Dignity, community and justice.” ([07:07])

• Sanchez asserting Spain’s independence in foreign policy:
  “We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world and that is also contrary to our values and interests just because we might fear reprisals from some.” ([02:14])

• Guy Hedgeko on Sanchez’s international image:
  “He’s the only leader of a major European Union economy on the political left and I think he’s taking that role very seriously.” ([14:30])

• Trump’s reaction to Spain’s refusal to support US operations:
  “Spain actually said that we can't use their bases, and that's all right. We don't want to...But they were unfriendly.” ([12:58])

• On Sanchez’s political resilience:
  “Sanchez, he's a very astute politician. He's been written off on a number of occasions previously…You never know with Sanchez. He's a survivor.” ([22:25])

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Sanchez’s condemnation of Iran attack: [02:14]
• Profile of Sanchez’s background and image: [03:36] – [05:25]
• Domestic reforms and polarization: [05:28] – [07:30]
• Corruption scandals and political challenges: [07:30] – [08:34]
• Foreign policy stances (Gaza, Venezuela, NATO): [09:25] – [13:35]
• Analysis of domestic and EU-level political strategy: [14:03] – [16:58]
• Spain’s military and diplomatic response: [18:42]
• Public reaction and election prospects: [20:53] – [22:59]

Conclusion

Pedro Sanchez’s willingness to openly defy Trump and diverge from the US-led Western consensus—with high-profile stances on Israel/Palestine, NATO spending, and Iran—has made him an outlier in Europe’s current political climate. While his assertive foreign policy wins approval at home, particularly due to widespread anti-Trump sentiment, his domestic standing is complicated by polarization and scandal. Whether his high-risk approach internationally can translate into electoral success remains uncertain; for now, Sanchez stands as Europe's most outspoken left-wing leader willing to challenge both Trump and the rightward drift in European politics. As Guy Hedgeko concludes:

“He’s a survivor. You never know with Sanchez.” ([22:59])