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Spain’s Senate rejected a friendship and cooperation treaty with France on Tuesday, the first day of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Madrid, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE reported.
The agreement secured 106 votes in favor, 142 against and one abstention. The opposition People’s Party (PP), which holds an absolute majority in the Senate, opposed the treaty.
Dispute over ministerial participation
Signed by Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Barcelona in January 2023, the treaty was designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and establish a framework for regular consultations between the two governments.
The PP had challenged a provision allowing a minister from either country to attend the other’s Council of Ministers. The governments later clarified that such participation would take place at ad hoc meetings rather than formal Cabinet deliberations.
Spain’s Constitutional Court ruled last week that the provision was compatible with the country’s Constitution.
Macron’s meetings in Madrid
Earlier on Tuesday, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia welcomed Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, with military honors at the Royal Palace in Madrid.
Macron is due to meet Sanchez on Wednesday. The leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations during the visit, which is the first state visit to Spain by a French president since 2009.
