Thousands rally in Madrid in support of Sanchez amid smear campaign
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At least 10,000 Spaniards have taken to the streets in a show of support for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, urging him not to step down from his position.
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Supporters of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez gather at the PSOE party headquarters during a demonstration in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP)
Thousands of Spaniards took to the streets to rally support for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and urge him not to resign from his position amid the corruption probe against his wife, Begona Gomez.
On Saturday, demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), rallying in solidarity with the prime minister. Among them were families chanting slogans and carrying Spanish flags and PSOE party banners. Many voiced their support for Sanchez through anthems and songs, according to a RIA Novosti correspondent.
Members of the PSOE Federal Committee opted to conclude their meeting early and join the rally outside. Among those present were Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Finance Minister and First Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero, Education Minister Pilar Alegria, and numerous others. They greeted the protesters warmly, exchanging hugs and taking photos with the crowd.
"Stay, [Sanchez,] we are with you. We must move forward and continue to move this country forward. Spain cannot go backwards ... No more lies, hoaxes, and verbal violence carried out unashamedly. We want you [Sanchez] to remain prime minister," Montero said.
Initially, around 1,000 protesters were expected to join the demonstration, but law enforcement stated that at least 10,000 Spaniards showed up despite the rain.
Sanchez halts duties amid smear campaign by pro-'Israel' opponent
On Wednesday, Sanchez decided to suspend his public activities and duties to mull over his possible resignation when a Madrid court launched an investigation against his wife, under alleged influence peddling and business corruption allegations. The Prime Minister said his decision would be announced on Monday, April 29.
Known for being outspoken in his support of occupied Palestine, Sanchez noted that the two outlets whose heads are being brought in to testify in court are "outlets with marked right-wing and ultra-right-wing leanings."
The Spanish PM stressed that the information is "alleged" and explained that it is the case given that he and his wife have both "been denying these falsehoods" while Begona also began taking "legal action against those same outlets so that they correct what we maintain is spurious information."
The ongoing tactic of harassment and destruction has persisted for months, noted Sanchez who added "That is why I am not surprised by [Alberto Núñez] Feijoo's and [Santiago ]Abascal's over-reaction."
The PM even dubbed Feijoo and Abascal as "key collaborators" alongside the ultra-right-wing Manos Limpias organization before explaining that Mr Feijoo "brought the case before the Conflict of Interests Office, requesting I be barred from public office for five to 10 years."
Sanchez proclaimed, "This is an operation of harassment and destruction by earth, sea and sky with the intention of weakening me politically and personally by attacking my wife," adding "I am not naive. I know that Begona is being accused not because she has done something illegal – they know this isn't the case – but because she is my wife."
"I am also fully aware that the attacks are not against me personally but rather what I represent: a progressive political option, backed in election after election by millions of Spaniards, based on economic progress, social justice, and democratic revival," explained the Spanish PM who had, earlier in April, announced that Spain is set to recognize the Palestinian state "before summer".
