Spain’s Opposition Demands Prime Minister’s Resignation Following Corruption Concerns
Madrid, Spain – Tens of thousands of supporters of Spain’s conservative Popular Party (PP) rallied in Madrid on Sunday, calling for the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez amid a series of legal challenges facing his government adn close associates. The demonstration underscores growing political pressure on Sanchez, who has been in office since 2018.
The rally followed recent setbacks for the Sanchez management, including the conviction of Spain’s attorney general - appointed with Sanchez’s backing – for violating judicial secrecy and the pre-trial detention of Jose Luis Abalos, Sanchez’s former chief of staff and a former minister, in a corruption case. Sanchez himself faces ongoing legal scrutiny involving cases related to his wife and brother.
“Spain has had enough of those who think they’re above everyone else,” declared PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo at the rally, urging early parliamentary elections.
The Madrid prefecture estimated the crowd size at approximately 40,000. Attendees voiced concerns beyond the legal issues, citing rising prices and difficulties finding affordable housing. “The situation (in Spain) has become untenable,” said daniel Noguera, an 18-year-old student, reflecting broader economic anxieties.
Despite the mounting pressure, Sanchez has publicly apologized for the controversies surrounding him but has firmly stated his intention to remain in office until the end of his current term in 2027. He attributes the legal challenges to politically motivated attacks orchestrated by the right and far-right opposition, aimed at destabilizing his government.
Madrid’s PP mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida and former PP Prime minister Mariano Rajoy also addressed the rally, signaling a united front from the opposition party.
