Thousands of people gathered on Sunday at Plaza de Castilla in Madrid to attend a rally against the Socialist government and the corruption cases it faces. The event was organized by the Platform for Constitutional Spain, which includes about 100 associations aligned with the right and far-right. Among the attendees were Vox leader Santiago Abascal and several members of the PP leadership, such as Carmen Fúnez and Alicia García. The Government Delegation in Madrid estimated that 25,000 people participated in the rally. Abascal and Fúnez used the platform to criticize the government and accuse it of being involved in corruption cases. Abascal even stated that he would support a motion of no confidence from the PP to remove Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez from office, even with the support of Junts, but only for that purpose and without any other commitments to the separatists.
The rally was organized by the Platform for Constitutional Spain, which includes nearly 80 ultra-right entities and organizations, such as the Forum for Freedom and Alternative led by former politicians like Alejo Vidal-Quadras and Jaime Mayor Oreja. The far-right groups once again took center stage at the protest, with speakers such as Alvise Pérez and Vito Quiles being given a platform. Other associations supporting the rally included Spain Civic Forum, Union 78, and Pies en Pared. Vox leader Santiago Abascal stated that the government is involved in various forms of corruption, including political corruption through agreements with other parties and economic corruption. He criticized the government for its actions and called for opposition to their policies.
Carmen Fúnez, a high-ranking member of the PP, also spoke at the rally, stating that they were joining the call against the situation that Sánchez has led the country into. She emphasized the need for change and the voice of the people to be heard. Fúnez criticized Sánchez for his attacks on the judiciary and demanded that he respect the Constitution and the separation of powers. She highlighted the importance of this moment in Spanish democracy and expressed her belief that change was inevitable. The rally’s location was changed by the Government Delegation, but the participants were undeterred, with one speaker, Marcos de Quinto, expressing his satisfaction at being near the courts where members of Sánchez’s party may face legal proceedings.
Despite complaints from the organizers regarding the change of venue, the rally proceeded with a strong show of opposition to the government and calls for accountability. The speeches by Abascal, Fúnez, and other leaders highlighted the perceived failures and corruption of the current administration. The presence of thousands of people at the event demonstrated the discontent with the government’s actions and policies. The rally reflected the growing frustration with the political establishment and a desire for change among a significant portion of the Spanish population. The opposition to Sánchez and his government was clear, with calls for accountability and a change in leadership resonating throughout the crowd.
