Tens of thousands of people protested in central Madrid against the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, demanding an early general election. The demonstration, called by the opposition People’s Party under the slogan ‘mafia or democracy’, attracted between forty five thousand and fifty thousand attendees, as reported by the central government’s delegation. Organisers claimed the crowd exceeded one hundred thousand.

The Prime Minister’s Socialist government faces increasing scrutiny due to multiple corruption allegations, including accusations concerning his family members. Former Socialist member Leire Díaz, who resigned following leaked recordings suggesting impropriety, denied acting on behalf of Sánchez. Protesters carried placards with messages aimed at Sánchez, calling for his resignation as the pressure mounts.

Sánchez has attributed the allegations to a political witch-hunt and expressed that the complaints against his family are baseless. Meanwhile, the opposition has gained momentum, with People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo asserting that a political revolution is necessary to restore integrity in Spain’s governance.

Despite the protest, Sánchez’s government has attempted to downplay the turnout, with ministers suggesting that the demonstration reflects the opposition’s desperation rather than widespread discontent. Yet, as calls for accountability amplify, the political landscape in Spain continues to shift amidst ongoing controversies.