Supporters Rally in Madrid to Back Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Amid Political Turmoil

On Saturday, April 27, thousands of supporters and party members of Spain’s Socialist party gathered outside the party’s national headquarters in Madrid to express their backing for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez surprised the nation by announcing the cancellation of his itinerary on Wednesday. This decision comes as he evaluates whether to step down following what he termed a “smear campaign” against his wife. He stated that his future plans would be disclosed on Monday, April 29.

A Spanish judge initiated a preliminary investigation into corruption allegations against Sánchez’s wife, purportedly made by a group aligned with right-wing interests. Sánchez vehemently dismissed the allegations as “spurious” and denounced them as part of an orchestrated campaign to discredit him by targeting his family. The Madrid regional prosecutor's office recommended the dismissal of the allegations.

Show of Support

The passionate crowd that filled the streets of downtown Madrid on Saturday chanted “You are not alone!” while waving party flags. Leaders from the Socialist party and other left-wing parties have vocally urged Sánchez not to resign. Having assumed office in 2018, Sánchez still has over three years left on his term.

The right-of-center opposition Popular Party, however, has characterized Sánchez’s actions as a desperate ploy to divert attention from his wife and garner support in the upcoming regional and European elections.