Thousands marched through the Spanish capital Madrid on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez resign after a string of corruption scandals within the government. Protesters, many carrying red-and-yellow Spanish flags and signs reading "Enough is enough!" marched behind a large banner that said: "Corruption has a price. No impunity. Resign and call elections now."
The protest was organized by a group of more than 150 civil society associations called Sociedad Civil Espanola, and was backed by the mainstream conservative Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party. Organizers estimated 120,000 people took part, while the central government put the figure at around 40,000. The march ended at Plaza Moncloa, near Sanchez's official residence.
After the march, a small group of protesters tried to move toward the residence but were pushed back by riot police. Spanish television footage showed the protest was largely peaceful. Central government officials said three people were arrested and seven police officers suffered minor injuries.
"There is no one left in Pedro Sanchez's inner circle who is not accused of very serious crimes. Spain is being held hostage by a gang of corruption," far-right Vox leader Santiago Abascal told reporters before the march began.
Sanchez, who came to power in 2018 after using a no-confidence vote to oust a scandal-hit PP government, has vowed to carry on despite mounting allegations. His brother David is set to stand trial for influence peddling. His wife Begona Gomez is under investigation in a separate corruption case. Begona denies any wrongdoing, and last month a Spanish prosecutor asked a judge to close the case brought by far-right groups. Sanchez dismisses the allegations as politically motivated.
Sanchez's former close aide and ex-Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos is awaiting a verdict in his corruption trial, which concluded earlier this month. On Tuesday, a court placed former Socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, an ally of Sanchez, under formal investigation for influence peddling and other charges, adding pressure to the government. Zapatero denies any wrongdoing.
