Tens of thousands of people gathered in central Madrid on Sunday to protest against the government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, demanding early general elections amid a series of corruption allegations targeting his party, administration, and family.
The protest, organized by the conservative opposition Popular Party (PP) under the slogan “Mafia or Democracy,” drew between 45,000 and 50,000 people, according to the central government delegation. Organizers claimed the turnout was closer to 100,000.
Sánchez’s Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has come under intense scrutiny, especially after an ex-party member was accused of attempting to run a smear campaign against the Guardia Civil, which is investigating the prime minister’s wife, Begoña Gómez, his brother David Sánchez, and former transport minister José Luis Ábalos.
Leire Díaz, who resigned from PSOE after recordings emerged allegedly showing her offering judicial favors in exchange for compromising information about Guardia Civil officers, denied acting on behalf of the prime minister or the party, claiming her actions were research for a book on corruption.
Protesters packed Plaza de España, some carrying signs reading “Sánchez traitor” and “Government resign.” PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo reiterated his demand for early elections:
“Spain needs a revolution of decency and liberty — and we will lead it from the streets and into the ballot boxes,” he told the crowd. “Mr. Sánchez, don’t hide, don’t lie, and don’t run. Spain knows who you are and what you’ve done. Give democracy its due. Call elections now.”
Prime Minister Sánchez responded by accusing political and media opponents of conducting a “campaign of harassment and bullying” aimed at triggering his personal and political collapse. He has strongly defended his wife, calling the charges baseless and politically motivated.
Begoña Gómez is under investigation for alleged corruption and abuse of influence, based on a complaint from the far-right-linked pressure group Manos Limpias (Clean Hands). The group accuses her of leveraging her status to attract sponsors for a university master’s program she directed. Sánchez has condemned the case as a vile manipulation.
Meanwhile, David Sánchez faces trial for alleged influence peddling and other offenses, again stemming from complaints by Manos Limpias and similar groups — charges he denies.
The Sánchez administration has also faced backlash since revelations last year that a close aide to former minister Ábalos was arrested for allegedly taking bribes to facilitate face mask contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ironically, the PP itself was ousted from government seven years ago due to multiple corruption scandals, and it is also under scrutiny for its handling of deadly floods in Valencia, a region it currently governs.
