Introduction

On June 8, 2025, Madrid witnessed a massive anti-government protest as tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the Plaza de Espana demanding that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez resign. Organized by the opposition Popular Party (PP), the rally spotlighted a series of corruption allegations facing the Socialist government.

Calls for Resignation Grow Louder

Chanting slogans like “Pedro Sanchez, resign!” and waving red and yellow Spanish flags, protesters rallied under the provocative banner, “Democracy or Mafia”. The demonstration was fueled by outrage over multiple corruption scandals engulfing key figures in Sanchez’s administration, including his wife and top ministers.

PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo delivered a scathing speech, accusing the government of “mafia practices” and calling for early elections. “This government has stained everything—politics, state institutions, the separation of powers,” he declared.

The Scandals: From “Koldo Case” to Influence Peddling

Among the biggest controversies is the so-called “Koldo Case”, which involves alleged corruption in awarding contracts for COVID-19 medical supplies. Former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and his adviser Koldo García Izaguirre are accused of receiving illegal commissions.

Additionally, Sanchez’s wife Begoña Gómez is under judicial investigation for suspected influence peddling and business corruption. The complaint was filed by the right-wing group Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), which claims Gomez used her position to influence public contracts and gain undue advantages in her professional dealings.

Smear Campaign or Legitimate Inquiry?

Pedro Sanchez has dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated “smear campaign” orchestrated by the opposition. One of the central figures, Leire Diez, a Socialist Party member, denied wrongdoing after leaked audio suggested she led a defamation effort against a police unit investigating the case. Diez has since resigned, stating she was merely researching for a book.

The controversy has deepened mistrust in Sanchez’s administration, with many Spaniards expressing fatigue and frustration. “The expiry date on this government passed a long time ago. It’s getting tiring,” protester Blanca Requejo, draped in a Spanish flag, told AFP.

Turnout Dispute and Political Implications

• PP Estimate: Over 100,000 people attended the rally.
• Government Estimate: Between 45,000 and 50,000 attendees.

While the exact turnout remains contested, the event marks one of the largest protests against the government since Sanchez assumed power in June 2018, after ousting conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy over a corruption scandal of his own Madrid.

Conclusion

As political pressure mounts and new revelations surface, Spain is entering a turbulent period. With elections not due until 2027, the opposition is now demanding early polls, asserting that Sanchez’s administration has lost moral and public legitimacy. Whether or not the Prime Minister will bow to the pressure remains to be seen.

• Al Jazeera: Mass protest in Madrid calls for Sanchez to resign
• El País – Spain’s Leading Daily on National Politics

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