Supporters of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Gather in the Streets of Madrid: This Country Needs You

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, amidst an investigation into his wife, Begoña Gomez, for influence trafficking and corruption, announced on Wednesday, April 24, that he is considering resignation. Despite this, his loyalists and sympathizers from the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) gathered in support of him on Saturday, April 27, outside the party headquarters on Ferraz Street in Madrid. The demonstration aimed to express solidarity with Pedro Sanchez, who has faced mounting pressure due to the ongoing investigation into his wife's alleged involvement in influence trafficking and corruption.

Protesters held placards high, bearing messages such as "Pedro Resists the Coup," "We Understand Your Pain, but This Country Needs You," and "Pedro, Stand Strong, Let the Fascists Not Prevail." According to figures provided by the PSOE and reported by the media outlet El Español, over 12,500 individuals from various regions of Spain participated in the gathering.

Inside the PSOE headquarters, the party's Federal Committee also convened in the early morning to demonstrate its support for the head of government. After twelve hours, party leaders joined the crowd in the street to show their unwavering backing. María Jesús Montero, the Deputy Prime Minister, delivered a speech on behalf of the government, proclaiming, "Pedro, stay. Mr. President, we need you," as reported by El Mundo. Videos published by Spanish media outlets captured scenes of jubilation shared between party leaders and the assembled crowd outside the headquarters.

In a "Letter to the Citizens" published on X, Pedro Sanchez announced the suspension of his political activities, stating, "I need to pause and reflect [...] on whether I should continue to lead the government or relinquish this honor." This unexpected move surprised both Spain and the majority of ministers and officials within the PSOE. The situation is unprecedented and not addressed in any existing regulations. Consequently, the Prime Minister is compelled to "continue working but must cancel his public engagements" until Monday, when he will address the media to communicate his decision.

Pedro Sanchez denounces an "operation of destruction by any means" orchestrated by "the right and the far-right." This interpretation is shared publicly or discreetly by his government and representatives of the PSOE. Within the text, he explicitly names "Mr. Feijoo," the leader of the People's Party (PP), on the right, and "Mr. Abascal" (president of the far-right Vox party).

Sanchez and his circle perceive the opposition's involvement in disseminating unfounded attacks as an attempt to force his departure, which they have been unable to achieve through electoral means. He describes them as "necessary collaborators alongside a digital galaxy (of publications, editors' note) of the far right and the organization Manos Limpias." Alberto Nuñez Feijoo quickly responded, characterizing Sanchez's reaction as a "spectacle of an adolescent" and "narcissistic."

The complaint that led to the investigation into Begoña Gomez was filed by a collective representing public sector employees known as Manos Limpias (Clean Hands, in English). Although it presents itself as a "collective of civil servants" on its website, it is known to be aligned with the far-right. The organization has gained prominence through its activism against political elites, typically those of left-leaning ideologies, and large corporations. Many of their cases, mostly dismissed, have resulted in the organization being convicted of attempted extortion in the first instance, followed by acquittal on appeal.

Begoña Gomez stands accused in an article of receiving public subsidies, despite these grants being awarded to another person with the same name. On Thursday, the Spanish judiciary requested the investigation be closed without further action.