Supporters flock to Madrid to back Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, amid resignation rumors
Thousands of supporters of Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, converged in Madrid to urge him not to step down amidst mounting pressure. Sánchez, a Socialist leader, shocked the nation by suspending all official duties to contemplate his political future, following a court inquiry into corruption allegations against his wife.
The announcement came after a Madrid court initiated a probe into Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, over accusations of influence peddling, filed by the organization Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), associated with far-right figure Miguel Bernad. Supporters, fearing a potential resurgence of the far-right if Sánchez resigns, rallied outside his party’s headquarters, emphasizing their solidarity with chants of “Pedro, don’t give up” and “You are not alone.”
The inquiry scrutinizes Gómez’s ties to companies that received government funds or contracts, notably her involvement with the IE Africa Center foundation and its connection to tourism group Globalia, which received substantial financial aid during the Covid-19 crisis. Despite widespread coverage in right-wing media, Sánchez and his allies have vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them baseless attempts to undermine his leadership.
Amidst calls for the investigation to be dropped due to lack of evidence, Sánchez condemned the allegations as part of a broader campaign by right-wing factions and media outlets to discredit him and his coalition government. As the nation awaits his decision, the show of support from thousands underscores the political turbulence gripping Spain.