Mass Protest in Madrid Against Prime Minister Sánchez

Tens of thousands gathered in central Madrid to protest the government led by socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, demanding early elections amidst ongoing allegations of corruption against his party and family.

Details of the Protest

The opposition conservative People’s Party (PP) organized the protest under the slogan “mafia or democracy,” drawing estimates of 45,000 to 50,000 attendees according to government sources, while organizers claimed the number was closer to 100,000.

Corruption Allegations Escalate

Numerous corruption allegations have emerged against Sánchez’s government in recent months. Recently, pressure has grown on the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) following claims that a former party member attempted to orchestrate a smear campaign against the Guardia Civil, which is investigating Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, his brother David Sánchez, and former transport minister José Luis Ábalos.

Former PSOE Member’s Controversy

Leire Díaz, who left the PSOE after leaked recordings suggested she offered judicial leniency for information on high-ranking officials, has denied acting on behalf of the prime minister, claiming she was researching a book on corruption.

PP Leader Calls for Action

As the protest unfolded in the heat of the Plaza de España, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo emphasized the need for a “revolution of decency and freedom.” He urged Sánchez to stop evading responsibility and call for immediate elections, stating that “no one voted for this, not even your supporters.”

Government’s Response

Sánchez has denounced the actions of political and media adversaries as a “harassment and bullying operation” aimed at achieving his political demise. He described the allegations against his wife as unfounded and politically motivated.

Ongoing Investigations and Political Scrutiny

Gómez is currently under investigation for alleged corruption, following a complaint from the far-right-linked group Manos Limpias that claims she improperly used her influence as the prime minister’s spouse. Meanwhile, David Sánchez also faces trial over influence peddling allegations. The government had previously been scrutinized for disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding to existing pressures on the administration.