Tens of thousands of Spaniards took to the streets on Sunday, vehemently opposing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s initiative to grant amnesty to Catalan separatists in exchange for political backing for another term. A recent agreement with the Catalan separatist party Junts has triggered widespread dissent, with critics accusing Sanchez of jeopardizing the rule of law for personal political gains.
In Madrid’s bustling Puerta del Sol square, People’s Party (PP) leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo declared, “We will not shut up until there are new elections.” Estimates suggest a turnout of 80,000 in Madrid, although the PP claims the number is closer to a million, as protests echoed across Spain’s cities. Protesters brandished Spanish and EU flags, alongside banners demanding the “respect [of] the Constitution.”
Banker Tomas Perez, 38, voiced his discontent, stating, “He (Sanchez) has betrayed coexistence, democracy…he can’t keep governing,” while holding a sign reading “Sanchez traitor.” Inmaculada Herranz Castro, 64, expressed disappointment, noting that many Socialist voters feel let down as Sanchez never disclosed amnesty as part of his agenda.
Demonstrations rippled through various cities, with 6,000 gathering in Barcelona, 30,000 in Granada, and 50,000 in Seville. Additional protests unfolded in Malaga, Palma, and Valencia. Following an inconclusive July 23 election, the Socialists engaged in extensive negotiations, securing support from Junts and the Basque Nationalist Party. This newfound support would grant Sanchez an absolute majority in the upcoming lower house vote, scheduled in the coming days.
