THIS year's presidential Christmas message to Spanish troops abroad was delivered in very different circumstances: With the national leader in quarantine after being in contact with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Pedro Sánchez took a test as soon as France's president was diagnosed, and was found to be negative, but as a precaution opted to self-isolate for 10 days, meaning he was not due to be 'let out' until the end of Christmas Eve.
This meant he pre-recorded his usual festive speech, although the joint messages from defence minister Margarita Robles and head of State for defence General Miguel Ángel Villarroya were live from the Moncloa Palace, the official presidential residence.
Sánchez told members of the forces overseas that he considered them to represent 'the best virtues of the 21st century' and thanked them for their 'silent labour and service to democracy'.
He said he considered it an 'honour' to address the various Spanish contingents abroad at 'such a special time of year', and 'not just as president of the government, but as spokesman for a country which admired them and was proud of their efforts'.
Sánchez remarked, unnecessarily, that 2020 had been a 'difficult and complex year' during which the Coronavirus pandemic had caused 'great suffering and pain worldwide', and through which the Armed Forces had been 'on the front line' supporting Spain.
Those based at home had been deployed as back-up during lockdown to keep the streets safe and to provide assistance with overspill 'tented' hospitals in high-incidence areas such as the Greater Madrid region, whilst some of those overseas had been helping out directly with local civilians affected by the virus.
Sánchez mentioned, in particular, 'Operation Balmis' and 'Mission Baluarte', where Spanish troops were involved in 'helping those who most need it' to 'offer them a better, safer and more prosperous future' in the countries they were based in.
“You're a clear example of service to Spain and to the international community,” their president stated.
Armed Forces on overseas missions are not necessarily involved in combat – their work includes public safety and security by supporting police and emergency services, as well as rescue operations and protecting members of society threatened by violent conflict, terrorism and the type of political unrest that puts their freedom, safety and human rights in danger.
And as Sánchez recalled in his speech, local inhabitants in mission zones hold 'great affection' for the forces who worked to protect them.
The president mentioned the 188 Spanish soldiers who had lost their lives in international missions, and said Spain would 'always honour their memory and support their families'.
Other families, those whose members are still serving and knew they would not be home for Christmas, were given words of support, recognising that this separation is at least as hard for those left behind in Spain when their loved ones were on the front line.
General Villarroya thanked the overseas contingents for their 'efforts, hard work, dedication and sacrifice' during 'such a painful year', where the situation is 'precarious everywhere' due to the pandemic and even more so in mission zones.
Spain's Armed Forces are suffering 'twice over' as a result of the Covid crisis, recalled General Villarroya – firstly, because of being separated from their loved ones, and secondly, because many are working in areas of the world where safety standards to prevent contagion are either very low or non-existent.
Margarita Robles expressed her pride in the troops and their efforts, which she said had been 'thrust even more into the spotlight' during the pandemic.
“There's nothing more noble, valuable and dignified than working towards peace, and we in Spain are deeply grateful for how you represent our country,” Sra Robles concluded.
Sánchez added that they should all continue to 'look after themselves and each other' to make sure every one of them was able to 'return safely home'.
All three speakers then wished the troops a pleasant Christmas and New Year.
