Furious Madrid: Tens of thousands demand PM Sánchez's resignation and early elections amid corruption scandals

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Madrid on Saturday, May 23, to demand the resignation of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez amid ongoing corruption scandals plaguing the socialist government. The protest in the capital's center drew an estimated 40,000 participants, according to authorities.

Demonstrators waved Spanish flags and held banners with critical messages such as "Resignation and elections" and "Expose the socialist mafia." Tensions flared near the prime minister's official residence, where a group of protesters attempted to breach barriers set up by law enforcement. Police intervened, detaining several masked individuals involved in the disturbances, Reuters reported.

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Resignation and elections

Opposition leaders, including representatives from the People's Party and the far-right Vox party, joined the march, which authorities described as "largely peaceful." The protest was organized by Spanish civil society representatives, including businessman Marcos de Quinto, alongside politicians and MEPs affiliated with the Vox party.

A Spanish court announced Tuesday that former socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation for alleged involvement in a bribery and money laundering network, marking another blow to the left-wing government. Zapatero, a key ally of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has denied any wrongdoing. Pedro Sánchez briefly considered resigning in April 2024 after a judge opened an investigation into his wife, Begoña Gómez. The prime minister publicly defended his family, stating the cases were politically motivated and fueled by far-right adversaries. Begoña Gómez denies any illegal activity, and last month a Spanish prosecutor asked the case judge to close the investigation, which was initiated following a complaint filed by far-right groups. Organizers claimed approximately 80,000 people participated in the protest, while the Spanish government's representative in Madrid estimated the number of participants at around 40,000.

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Expose the socialist mafia