Diego Cañamero, who served as the mayor of El Coronil in Sevilla, recalls the historical significance of the US military presence at the Morón base during the Gulf War. He highlights how during that time, B-52 bombers, laden with tons of bombs, would fly directly over his municipality, creating a sense of danger and urgency among local citizens. Cañamero also notes that the anti-base marches of that era were crucial, drawing thousands of protesters advocating for the removal of US military installations.

Today, Cañamero, who has been a prominent figure in unions and labor rights movements, raises concerns about the current justification for maintaining these military bases in Spain. He argues that the promise of job creation should not serve as a cover for what he perceives as the unnecessary presence of foreign military personnel. His advocacy continues a longstanding dialogue about sovereignty and the implications of foreign military bases in Spain.

The discussion comes 40 years after the NATO referendum in Spain, marking a pivotal moment in the country's post-Franco era. Cañamero's criticisms reflect a broader sentiment among many Spaniards who question the impact of continued US military presence, suggesting that these bases do not contribute to genuine economic or social stability in the region.