Madrid: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday called NATO's proposal of increasing defense spending by 5% "irrational."

According to Anadolu Agency, in a letter addressed to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Sanchez refused to commit to a 5% increase in defense spending and called it "irrational and counterproductive." He suggested a more "flexible" formula for the proposal, which is set to be discussed at the NATO summit in The Hague next week, and advocated for Spain's exclusion from the 5% target.

Sanchez further noted that reaching the 5% level is "incompatible" with Spain's welfare state and his "worldview," emphasizing the "legitimate right" of each government to decide whether or not to make certain "sacrifices."