Protests Greet Spanish Prime Minister at National Day Parade

On Monday, Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, faced a wave of anger during the National Day parade in Madrid. Crowds were vocal, hurling insults and even referring to him with the crude chant, “Pedro Sánchez, son of a b***h.”

Every year on October 12, Spaniards come together to celebrate their national day, reflecting on a history that stretches well beyond Europe’s borders. Central to this celebration is a military parade that features the Spanish royals and the government leader.

Sánchez, who is currently struggling with low popularity as a leftist leader, found himself in a tough spot as he passed by a group of protesters near the parade route. The atmosphere was charged, and the chants echoed loudly.

Reports indicate that he remained in his official car until just before King Felipe VI and the royal family made their entrance. This seemed like a strategy to blend the negative reactions with the applause directed at the king, but it didn’t quite work. The chants against Sánchez were audible throughout the televised parade.

“These reactions, often in the form of boos, are expected when the head of government appears, and as you just heard, it seems to be the case today,” stated a presenter on Spanish public broadcaster RTVE as the crowd’s chants were picked up on air.

Interestingly, the chants reportedly paused while the national anthem played but resumed when the king and Sánchez greeted other officials. Some attendees expressed further sentiments with chants like, “Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta is defended,” likely referencing recent tensions over illegal migration to the Spanish exclave.

In stark contrast to the reception Sánchez received, King Felipe VI was met with warmth and cheers from the crowd, who chanted, “Long Live the King.” His family received similar applause, which indicated a clear divide in public sentiment.

The chant targeting Sánchez has become a common sight at various protests against him in recent months, particularly following the migrant situation in Ceuta. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of Madrid’s Autonomous Community, remarked before the event that this might be Sánchez’s last October 12 parade, especially after he called for a snap election set for November 29.

“I think we’re all quite happy, and I imagine he is as well, because it seems this ordeal is finally concluding,” Ayuso commented.