Massive Protest Erupts in Madrid Against PM Sanchez’s Government
On Sunday, Madrid witnessed a powerful wave of dissent as tens of thousands poured into Plaza de España, chanting demands for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s resignation. Organized by the main opposition, the Popular Party (PP), the massive rally thrust corruption allegations into the national spotlight, reverberating through Spain’s political landscape.
‘Mafia or Democracy?’: The Rally’s Resounding Slogan
The demonstration, branded under the provocative slogan “Mafia or Democracy,” drew a crowd estimated by the PP to exceed 100,000 participants. Meanwhile, official figures from Madrid’s central government placed attendance between 45,000 and 50,000. Protesters, many draped in Spain’s iconic red and yellow flags, filled the square, repeatedly calling out, “Pedro Sanchez, resign!”
Corruption Allegations Stir Political Storm
The protest was sparked by leaked audio recordings suggesting a Socialist party member, Leire Diez, orchestrated a smear campaign targeting a police unit investigating graft claims linked to Sanchez’s close associates, including his wife, brother, and former aide. Diez denied involvement in any political scheme, asserting her actions were purely research-related for a book, and subsequently resigned from the Socialist party.
PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo seized on the controversy, lambasting the government for engaging in “mafia practices” and positioning Sanchez at the heart of a series of corruption scandals. Addressing the rally, he denounced how the administration had sullied political institutions, state bodies, and the principle of separation of powers. Feijóo pressed Sanchez to call early elections, emphasizing public fatigue with the current government.
Public Disillusionment Runs Deep
Blanca Requejo, a 46-year-old store manager attending the protest with a Spanish flag draped over her shoulders, voiced a common sentiment: “The expiry date on this government passed a long time ago. It’s getting tiring.” This palpable frustration underscores the widening rift between citizens and the ruling Socialists.
Sanchez’s Response and Political Outlook
Despite mounting pressure, Sanchez has denounced the inquiries targeting his inner circle as politically motivated attempts by the right-wing opposition to destabilize his administration. Since ascending to power in June 2018—after a no-confidence vote unseated his predecessor amid corruption with the conservative Popular Party—Sanchez has navigated a turbulent political environment.
Current polling places the PP narrowly ahead of Sanchez’s Socialists as the next general election looms in 2027. Meanwhile, Sunday’s demonstration highlights a country deeply divided over governance, integrity, and political accountability.
