Spain erupts in protests demanding prime minister’s resignation

Thousands of people marched in protest in Spain’s capital Madrid demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The demonstration came after a series of corruption allegations surfaced against people close to the prime minister.

According to a report published by Al Jazeera on Saturday (May 23), the programme was organised by a coalition of more than 150 civic groups called “Sociedad Civil Española.” The country’s main opposition Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party supported the protest.

Many demonstrators joined the rally carrying Spain’s red-and-yellow flags and placards reading “Enough is enough.” A large banner in the procession read, “No more impunity for corruption. Resignation and elections now.”

Organisers claimed that around 120,000 people took part in the protest, although official estimates put the number at around 40,000. The march ended at Plaza Moncloa near the prime minister’s official residence.

After the rally, several protesters attempted to move toward the prime minister’s residence, but riot police pushed them back. However, most of the programme remained peaceful. Three people were detained and seven police officers sustained minor injuries.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal said, “There is no one close to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez who has not faced serious allegations of wrongdoing. Spain has become hostage to a corrupt network.”

Pedro Sánchez came to power in 2018 after the previous conservative government was removed through a no-confidence vote over corruption allegations. However, several corruption accusations have now emerged against people close to him as well.

A trial is already set to begin against the prime minister’s brother, David Sanchez, over allegations of abuse of political influence. In addition, his wife, Begoña Gomez, is also under investigation in a separate corruption case, although she has denied all allegations.

Prime Minister Sanchez has claimed that the accusations against his family are politically motivated.