Over 80,000 Protest Against Sánchez Government Amid Corruption Scandal

URGENT UPDATE: Over 80,000 people have gathered in Madrid today to protest against Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez‘s government amid escalating corruption allegations. The Popular Party (PP) organized the demonstration, which occurred near the iconic Temple of Debod. This massive turnout comes just days after former socialist minister José Luis Ábalos and his advisor Koldo García were remanded in custody as part of a judicial investigation into a corrupt scheme linked to purchasing masks during the pandemic.

The demonstration, held under the banner ‘Effectively: mafia or democracy?’, has brought thousands to the streets, showcasing deep public discontent with Sánchez’s leadership. While the government claims only 40,000 attended, the PP insists the real number is significantly higher.

During the rally, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo declared that Ábalos’s situation represents a pattern of “political, economic, institutional, social, and moral corruption,” demanding Sánchez resign immediately. This unprecedented political crisis strikes at the heart of Sánchez’s ruling party, the PSOE, which expelled Ábalos after his arrest but allowed him to retain his seat as an independent member of parliament.

The so-called ‘Koldo case’ has exploded into a larger investigation into alleged irregularities involving public contracts, including bribery and influence peddling. Investigators are scrutinizing not only the procurement of masks but also possible kickbacks and a broader network of corruption involving multiple local administrations, including the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.

This controversy has intensified scrutiny of Sánchez’s inner circle. Although no close aides have been convicted, multiple legal challenges are looming. Notably, Sánchez’s wife, Beatriz Gómez, faces allegations related to influence peddling and misappropriation concerning her academic work and connections to contracting firms. Additionally, his brother, David Sánchez, is implicated in administrative malfeasance, with a trial scheduled for February 2026.

The political climate in Spain is increasingly fraught as these scandals unfold. The PP argues that the government’s repeated missteps reveal a troubling pattern, while Sánchez’s administration counters that the opposition is exploiting unresolved court cases for political gain.

As the investigation continues, Ábalos’s arrest marks a significant milestone in Spanish politics, adding further tension to an already volatile landscape. The ramifications of today’s protests and the ongoing corruption inquiries are expected to resonate deeply, influencing public opinion and the future of Sánchez’s government.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.