Thousands protest in Madrid demanding Sánchez's resignation amid corruption claims

Thousands of Spaniards took to the streets of Madrid on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The massive protest, fueled by a wave of corruption allegations surrounding Sánchez's government, saw demonstrators waving Spanish flags and carrying banners with slogans like "Enough!" and "Corruption has a price. No more impunity. Resignation and elections now."

The demonstration was organized by Sociedad Civil Española, a coalition of over 150 civic groups, and received backing from the conservative Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party. Organizers claimed an attendance of around 120,000 people, though the central government's delegation in the region estimated the number to be nearly half that. The march concluded near Sánchez's official residence.

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Corruption has a price. No more impunity. Resignation and elections now.

Following the main protest, a small group attempted to approach Sánchez's residence but was blocked by riot police. Spanish television images showed three people were arrested and seven police officers sustained minor injuries. Vox leader Santiago Abascal voiced strong criticism, stating, "There is no one left in Pedro Sánchez's circle who is not accused of very serious crimes. Spain is being held hostage by a corrupt mafia."

Sánchez, who came to power in 2018, has denied the accusations against his family, including his wife Begoña Gómez, who is under investigation, and his brother David, who is set to be tried for influence peddling. These allegations add pressure to an administration already facing scrutiny, with former minister José Luis Ábalos awaiting a verdict in a corruption trial and former socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero also under investigation.

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There is no one left in Pedro Sánchez's circle who is not accused of very serious crimes. Spain is being held hostage by a corrupt mafia.