Spanish Prime Minister, Mr. Pedro Sánchez has been the center of attention during the latest demonstration in Madrid, and not for being praised. The capital of Spain has taken to the streets to demand new elections following the corruption cases plaguing the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party). This situation has further polarized the political landscape of the country, affecting not only its institutions but also the public perception of transparency and the management of public resources by Sánchez’s government.
In light of these developments, society gathered in a massive demonstration in Madrid to demand Sánchez’s resignation and the calling of elections. Thousands of people expressed their general discontent regarding the current political situation in Spain. Chants such as “Sánchez, resign!”, “Elections now!”, “Sánchez to prison!”, and “Sánchez, traitor!” reverberated through the streets, highlighting the urgency felt by many citizens.
However, this gathering goes beyond merely targeting Sánchez. The accumulated discontent during his socialist mandate is also directed against the economic and social management of the government and its subordinates. Many sectors, particularly those concerned with the economy and housing, view early elections as a crucial step to halt the current government’s perceived authoritarian and corrupt drift.
The demonstration was notable not only for its size but also for its political implications. Alberto Núñez Feijoó, the leader of the People’s Party (PP), did not attend, yet Santiago Abascal, the president of Vox, was present. Abascal condemned Sánchez and his party, labeling them as an “extremist, corrupt, and coup-like government,” while also calling for the socialist’s resignation. Unlike other political leaders, Abascal made it clear that Vox would not enter into agreements with separatist parties, affirming their commitment to denouncing any collaboration with separatism at every opportunity.
Corruption in the Party
There is a long list of demands from the public for Pedro Sánchez to cease being the president of the government. However, in recent weeks, the PSOE has found itself embroiled in a series of scandals that have only deepened the perception of socialist instability.
For instance, former Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos is currently under investigation by the Civil Guard for his involvement in the controversial 2020 trip to Spain by Delcy Rodríguez, vice president of the Venezuelan regime. This incident has raised serious questions about Sánchez’s government’s stance and conduct, as well as its relationship with Nicolás Maduro’s administration. Many are questioning the implications of such ties and what they mean for Spain’s foreign policy.
What is particularly alarming is that Pedro Sánchez was reportedly aware of the ongoing investigation into Ábalos when he included him on the party’s electoral lists for the upcoming elections. This raises the question: was the socialist leader protecting his minister despite the allegations?
Ábalos’ situation may well be the last straw, adding to the mounting scandals that reflect Sánchez’s government’s poor management. As investigations continue to unfold, uncertainty regarding the political leader’s future is growing. Consequently, the need for a change in government is becoming increasingly pressing, and calls for a new direction in Spanish politics are echoing louder than ever.
Society is awakening, and its patience is wearing thin. These are not mere speculations; stepping into the streets makes it clear that people can no longer tolerate the instability that characterizes Sánchez’s government. Madrid has become the most recent stage to demonstrate this discontent, but the reality is that this tension extends far beyond the capital. Spain is currently immersed in political instability, with a leader who is perceived to ally with separatists and sidesteps the scandals plaguing his party. This series of factors has prompted many to declare, in unison, “enough.”