Spanish Lawmaker’s Protest in European Parliament
Irene Montero, a far-left lawmaker from Spain’s Podemos party, made headlines on Tuesday by singing a modified version of “Happy Birthday” in the European Parliament. She directed her remarks toward President Donald Trump, labeling him “Mr. Genocide.”
During a debate with the EU’s top diplomat, Caja Callas, Montero sang, “Happy Birthday, Trump. Happy Birthday, Mr. Genocide.” This was in response to discussions regarding a recent peace agreement announced by Trump between the U.S. and the regime in Iran.
In the same session, Montero took the opportunity to criticize both President Trump and the European Union’s actions in the Middle East. She asked the assembly, “What is Europe celebrating?” further explaining that Iran was celebrating a victory while Trump could not celebrate his own birthday without creating conflict.
Montero also asserted that Europe cannot take pride in halting genocide or stopping illegal attacks on Iran and questioned whether the continent could celebrate the severing of ties with Israel or the end of occupations in Lebanon. “No, we can’t celebrate any of that,” she stated firmly.
Shifting her focus to Callas, she jokingly suggested they sing “Happy Birthday” to Trump together. Montero, previously Spain’s Equality Minister, has been vocal against Trump, often criticizing his policies and actions.
Earlier this year, she made headlines by referring to Trump as the “Hitler of the 21st century,” urging Europe to isolate him and not engage in military support for U.S. initiatives against Iran. Montero feels strongly that Canada should consider establishing ties with communist China instead of aligning with the U.S.
After Trump took office for a second term, she condemned U.S. border policies as “delinquent” and “fascist,” expressing deep concern over his electoral success. Montero has described elections rooted in opposing feminism as ones that ultimately benefit sexism.
In recent months, she has also discussed the Spanish government’s amnesty for illegal immigrants, stating that it was part of an electoral strategy aimed at shifting the voting demographic. Montero is anticipated to be Podemos’s candidate for prime minister in the upcoming 2027 elections.
