Podemos and Més per Menorca have criticized the conversion of the La Estación Naval de Maó (Mahón) port, in the east of the island of Menorca, into a new Spanish logistical support base for NATO ships. They denounced the “unacceptable cession of sovereignty” that they believe the establishment of this new base — the third in Spain, after Rota and Cartagena — to NATO represents. They argue that current geopolitical threats cannot be solved by promoting rearmament or violence. The decision by the Ministry of Defense to offer Maó as a permanent diplomatic port for NATO ships participating in Operation Sea Guardian has been met with opposition.
Operation Sea Guardian, led by the Allied Maritime Command based in Northwood, UK, has missions such as deterrence and protection against terrorist attacks, maritime awareness, and regional security capacity building. The Maó base has large fuel storage tanks and water reservoirs, as well as disused underground tunnels, facilitating the resupplying of NATO ships at their docks. Podemos has criticized the role that NATO military bases in Spain play in supporting the US in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, denouncing the complicity in the “genocide” against the Palestinian people.
The Spanish Armed Forces have been participating in Operation Sea Guardian for two decades and are expected to contribute a submarine, a maritime surveillance aircraft, a frigate, a supply ship, and a patrol vessel with a special operations team on alert in 2024. Along with the naval units deployed, Spain provides the naval bases of Rota, Cartagena, and Maó as Forward Logistic Sites. The annual cost of Spain’s participation in this operation exceeds 27 million euros. The government has committed to officially recognizing the state of Palestine during this legislative term, following criticism for its perceived lack of action against Israeli aggression.
Més per Menorca has announced that they will seek explanations from the Menorca Island Council and the Balearic Islands Government regarding their knowledge of the Spanish government’s offer to NATO. They believe that the Menorcan society has the right to know how these installations in their territory are being used. Podemos has been vocal in their criticism of the Spanish government’s perceived support for NATO and lack of action in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling for a focus on diplomacy and peace. They highlight the importance of being informed and involved in decisions that affect the local community.
The tensions surrounding the establishment of Maó as a NATO base highlight the broader debate around military presence and international relations. The concerns raised by Podemos and Més per Menorca reflect a growing sentiment against militarization and violence as solutions to global challenges. As Spain continues to partake in international military operations, there is a call for transparency, accountability, and a diplomatic approach to conflict resolution. The Maó base controversy sheds light on the complexities of security, sovereignty, and peace in the modern world.
