Massive Madrid Protest Demands Spanish PM Sánchez Resign Over Corruption

Tens of Thousands Flood Madrid Streets Demanding Sánchez's Resignation

Tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets of Madrid on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in a massive demonstration demanding the resignation of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over a series of corruption scandals that have rocked his government. The protest, organized by the conservative opposition People's Party (PP), saw crowds waving Spanish flags and carrying signs reading 'Resign now!' and 'Sánchez, go away!' as they converged at the Templo de Debod monument in central Madrid.

Opposition Claims Systemic Corruption

PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo addressed the massive crowd, declaring that corruption within Sánchez's Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) had become systemic. 'Spain cannot continue like this,' Feijóo told protesters, according to El País. 'The corruption within the PSOE is systematic, and we need immediate change.' The opposition claimed 80,000 people attended, while Spanish authorities estimated the crowd at around 40,000 participants.

Ábalos Case Sparks Outrage

The immediate trigger for the protest was the Supreme Court's decision to send former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos to pre-trial detention without bail. Ábalos, a close ally of Sánchez who served as transport minister from 2018 to 2021, was expelled from the PSOE in 2024 and now faces charges in the 'Koldo Case' corruption network. According to EFE, Ábalos and his former adviser Koldo García entered Soto del Real prison near Madrid on November 27, with the judge citing 'extreme' flight risk.

The case involves allegations that Ábalos awarded lucrative government contracts for face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in exchange for bribes. Prosecutors have requested 24-year prison sentences for Ábalos and 19 years for García. 'This is just the tip of the iceberg,' said Madrid protester María López, 42. 'We're tired of politicians enriching themselves while ordinary Spaniards struggle.'

Multiple Scandals Plague Sánchez Government

The Ábalos case is one of several corruption investigations involving Sánchez's inner circle. Former PSOE secretary Santos Cerdán, another Sánchez confidant, was arrested last summer in the same case but was allowed to await trial in freedom earlier this month. Perhaps most damaging politically is the ongoing investigation into Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez.

Gómez faces allegations of influence peddling and corruption related to her business activities. According to Reuters, she testified in court in December 2024 declaring her innocence. The case examines whether she improperly used her position as the prime minister's spouse for personal gain, including allegations she secured government support for an airline in exchange for sponsorship.

Sánchez Refuses to Resign

Despite mounting pressure, Prime Minister Sánchez has repeatedly refused to step down. The 53-year-old socialist leader, who has served as prime minister since 2018 after a successful no-confidence vote against his predecessor Mariano Rajoy, has instead announced anti-corruption measures and apologized for the scandals. 'I will not resign before the end of my term in 2027,' Sánchez stated recently, according to DW. 'These protests are politically motivated attacks orchestrated by right-wing parties to weaken the government.'

Political Implications and Future Outlook

The protest represents the largest demonstration against Sánchez since June and comes at a critical time for Spanish politics. Sánchez, who leads a minority coalition government with Unidas Podemos, has faced increasing criticism over his alliances with separatist parties and economic policies. 'The government has lost all legitimacy,' political analyst Carlos Martínez told our correspondent. 'With multiple corruption cases involving his closest allies and even his family, Sánchez's ability to govern effectively is seriously compromised.'

Meanwhile, the PP faces its own challenges, with corruption investigations also involving some of its politicians. However, opposition leaders vow to maintain pressure. 'We will continue organizing protests and using all democratic means to demand early elections,' Feijóo declared. As Spain grapples with these corruption scandals, the political stability of one of Europe's largest economies hangs in the balance, with potential implications for the entire European Union.