Protests Erupt in Madrid Over Corruption Scandal
Thousands of people in Spain gathered in Madrid on Saturday to call for the resignation of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, amid a deepening corruption crisis affecting the Socialist Party.
Marching under the slogan “Sánchez, resign now!”, protesters filled central Madrid, starting from Plaza Colon and heading towards the Arch of Victory. Government estimates indicated roughly 40,000 participants, while organizers asserted that over 120,000 were present, as reported by public broadcaster RTVS.
The backdrop to the protests includes a substantial 53 million euro ($57.2 million) public rescue package for Plus Ultra Airlines, which is based in China, following the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Adding to the turmoil, former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was indicted this week for charges related to influence peddling and money laundering concerning Venezuela.
Zapatero has faced criticism for his alliances with Venezuela’s past leaders, Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. Allegations suggest he improperly gained 1.95 million euros ($2.11 million) for himself and close associates through questionable influence strategies.
This controversy is merely the latest in a series of scandals involving prominent figures from Sánchez’s administration. Notably, Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, is also under investigation for misusing her position as first lady for personal gain.
In light of the scandal, Sánchez has attempted to shift attention by supporting U.S. President Donald Trump’s critics internationally, even restricting U.S. troops’ use of Spanish bases during tensions with Iran.
At the protests, Santiago Abascal, leader of the right-wing VOX party, called for the detention of Zapatero until trial and pressed Prime Minister Sánchez to compel him to testify. Abascal remarked on the pervasive corruption within Sánchez’s circle, lamenting that the nation is held captive by a corrupt faction that is harming the Spanish populace.
Members of the center-right Popular Party (PP) also joined in the demonstration. Their spokesperson in the Senate, Alicia García, spoke out, urging for new elections, and criticized Sánchez’s PSOE for profiting during the pandemic while the people suffered.
Elsewhere, at a rally in Mallorca, PP leader Alberto Nuñez Feijó highlighted that Zapatero could not have gained from government actions without implicit support from Sánchez’s administration, questioning the integrity of those within the Socialist Party.
On Saturday, three individuals were arrested, and seven police officers reported minor injuries as the crowd attempted to advance toward Moncloa Palace, the government’s headquarters, but faced police opposition.
