Thousands Protest Against Sánchez Government Amid Corruption Scandal

Thousands of Spaniards gathered on Sunday in Madrid to protest against the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, amid rising tensions surrounding a corruption investigation. The demonstration, organized by the Popular Party (PP), drew conflicting estimates of attendance, with the PP reporting over 80,000 participants, while the government delegation placed the number at around 40,000.

The protest was held near the Temple of Debod and was ignited by the recent remand of former Socialist minister José Luis Ábalos and his advisor Koldo García. Both are implicated in a judicial investigation concerning alleged corruption linked to contracts for purchasing health supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demonstration was framed under the slogan “Effectively: mafia or democracy?” reflecting the PP’s accusations of significant institutional decline under Sánchez’s leadership.

In his address, PP president Alberto Núñez Feijóo condemned the situation surrounding Ábalos, stating, “What happened is not a one-off mistake,” and characterized Sánchez’s administration as embodying “political, economic, institutional, social, and moral corruption.” He called for Sánchez to resign, amplifying the political pressure on the government.

Corruption Allegations and Political Consequences

The situation regarding Ábalos is particularly impactful as he is the first incumbent national MP to be remanded in custody. Following the National Court’s decision, the leadership of the PSOE expelled him from the party, although he retains his position as a non-attached member of parliament. Ábalos and García are accused of involvement in a network of irregular commissions related to contracts for health materials, which has expanded into a wider investigation scrutinizing various public contracts.

The judicial proceedings are currently under secrecy, with indications of potential bribery, influence peddling, and embezzlement. Investigators are examining not only financial mismanagement in the purchase of face masks but also broader issues of structural corruption, including alleged illegal commissions and favoritism in awarding contracts. This inquiry extends to several regional administrations, including those in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, raising concerns about systemic corruption within the government.

Political Climate and Future Implications

The ongoing investigations have intensified scrutiny on Sánchez and his administration. While none of the officials closest to him have been convicted, the atmosphere is charged with allegations, including investigations into the prime minister’s wife, Begona Gómez, for alleged influence peddling and misappropriation of funds related to her academic work. Additionally, Sánchez’s brother, David Sánchez, faces legal proceedings for alleged administrative malfeasance, with a trial scheduled for February 2026.

This protest reflects a broader trend of political discontent in Spain, as the PP claims that the scandals surrounding Sánchez’s associates reveal a consistent pattern of misconduct. Conversely, the government has framed these allegations as politically motivated attacks based on unresolved court cases.

The implications of Ábalos’s arrest and subsequent imprisonment are significant, marking a pivotal moment in recent Spanish politics and contributing to an increasingly volatile political climate. As investigations continue, the pressure on Sánchez’s administration is expected to grow, potentially reshaping the landscape ahead of upcoming elections.