Spanish Congress rejects proposal for NATO exit referendum

Spain’s Congress of Deputies rejected a proposal by the left-wing Podemos party to hold a referendum on the country’s withdrawal from NATO. Lawmakers voted 300 against the initiative, with 20 in favor and 25 abstentions, according to Servimedia.

The proposal also called for the closure of U.S. military bases at Rota and Moron de la Frontera, a halt to higher defence spending and constitutional guarantees against war. Servimedia said the measure was opposed by lawmakers from the PP, PSOE, Vox and Junts parties.

The vote comes amid renewed debate in Spain over NATO, although El Pais reported in March that support for remaining in the alliance is still backed by the ruling Socialists, while calls for a new referendum have come mainly from parts of the left.