Thousands Rally in Madrid to Support Spain's PM Amid Corruption Probe

Thousands of supporters of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rallied in Madrid on April 28, 2024, urging him to remain in office. The demonstration came after Sanchez announced he was considering resigning due to a corruption investigation into his wife Begona Gomez's private business dealings.

At least 10,000 Spaniards attended the demonstration, chanting slogans and carrying Spanish flags and banners of Sanchez's Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in support of the prime minister. Members of the PSOE Federal Committee, including several ministers, joined the rally to express their backing for Sanchez. "You are not alone!" the crowd shouted, waving party flags.

Sanchez has denied the allegations against his wife, calling them a "sustained campaign of mud-slinging" by his political opponents. He accused the right-wing opposition and media of waging a campaign of harassment against him and his wife in an attempt to weaken him politically and personally.

The corruption probe was opened by a Madrid court following a complaint from the pressure group Manos Limpias, which has a history of using the courts to pursue those it deems a threat to Spain's democratic interests. However, the Madrid regional prosecutor's office has recommended dismissing the allegations against Gomez.

Opposition parties have criticized Sanchez's handling of the situation. The leader of the conservative People's Party said Sanchez's behavior was a desperate attempt to draw attention away from his wife and rally his supporters. The party described the turnout at the Madrid rally as a "failure" and said Sanchez has not secured the support of citizens.

Why this matters: The corruption probe and Sanchez's potential resignation could have significant implications for Spain's political landscape. If Sanchez steps down, it could trigger early elections and a period of uncertainty as parties vie to form a new government. The situation also highlights the intense political divisions in Spain and the challenges facing Sanchez's minority coalition government.

Sanchez is expected to announce his decision on his future on Monday, May 1. His options include resigning, continuing as prime minister, submitting to a parliamentary vote of confidence, or calling a snap election. If he does resign, King Felipe VI will have to start a new round of meetings with potential candidates for prime minister. Budget Minister Maria Jesus Montero has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Sanchez if he steps down.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands rally in Madrid to urge Spain PM Sanchez not to resign
• Sanchez faces corruption probe into wife's business dealings, denies allegations
• Resignation could trigger early elections, political uncertainty in Spain
• Opposition criticizes Sanchez's handling of situation, calls rally a "failure"
• Sanchez to announce decision on his future as PM on May 1