Massive protests in Spain demand resignation of Pedro Sánchez over corruption allegations

In Spain, under the glaring midday sun on June 8, 2025, significant public sentiment boiled over in response to ongoing allegations of corruption surrounding Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Thousands, led by the opposition Conservative People's Party, gathered in Plaza de España in Madrid, demonstrating against the policies and integrity of Sánchez. The mass protest brought together an estimated 45,000 to 100,000 individuals, united under the rallying cry of 'mafia or democracy'. This considerable turnout signifies deep-seated frustration regarding not only the alleged corrupt practices but also the government’s handling of these accusations. The grievances extended beyond individual political failures, resonating with the participants' concern about the integrity of Spanish democracy itself. Recent legal investigations into corruption involving Sánchez's political allies and family members, including his wife Begona Gomez and his brother David Sánchez, have intensified calls for accountability. Among the demonstrators' posters were slogans labeling Sánchez a 'traitor' and demanding his government’s resignation. Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo addressed the attendees, emphasizing the need for a 'revolution of decency and freedom' to restore the electorate's trust. He called for an immediate election, reflecting the urgent demand for political change. This protest exemplifies the mounting dissatisfaction with Sánchez’s government, as many citizens grapple with concerns about democratic integrity and corruption within political ranks. Allegations against the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), headed by Sánchez, have persisted over the past year but surged prominently following accusations directed at a former party member for allegedly retaliating against police personnel investigating Sánchez's family. This light of controversy continues to cast doubt on the administration's transparency and effectiveness. As public discontentment mounts, the consequences of the protest could be significant, potentially reshaping political alliances and electoral strategies in the run-up to future elections. With Sánchez’s leadership increasingly questioned, the demand for deeper transparency and accountability has never been more urgent. The situation highlights a critical turning point in Spain's relationship with its governing bodies, where the citizens are asserting their agency and mobilizing for political change in direct response to perceived corruption and betrayal within the corridors of power.