Tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied in Madrid on Saturday, 23 May, demanding the resignation of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his Socialist government amid mounting corruption scandals and growing public anger over the administration’s policies in several areas, including migration.
The demonstration, organized by the civic platform Sociedad Civil Española under the slogan ‘March for Dignity’, began at Plaza de Colón before moving towards the Moncloa Palace, the official residence of the prime minister. The rally received strong backing from the centre-right Partido Popular (PP) and the right-wing anti-immigration Vox party, whose leader Santiago Abascal attended the demonstration in person.
As usual, estimates regarding the size of the crowd varied significantly depending on the source. Spanish government authorities estimated turnout at around 40,000 protesters, while organizers claimed approximately 80,000 participants. Meanwhile, several right-wing social media accounts and online commentators suggested that the real figure may have exceeded 100,000 people, accusing the authorities of deliberately underestimating attendance.
The demonstration was initially triggered by widening corruption investigations surrounding Sánchez’s political circle, including ongoing probes involving his wife Begoña Gómez, former transport minister José Luis Ábalos, and the recent judicial investigation opened against former Socialist prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero over alleged influence-peddling and money laundering. Protesters repeatedly described the government as ‘corrupt’ and demanded immediate early elections.
Most nationwide polling averages currently place PP in first place with roughly 31–32 per cent support, PSOE at around 28–29 per cent, and Vox between 17–18 per cent. According to aggregated polling trends, the current left-wing governing coalition would likely lose its parliamentary majority if elections were held now.
Beyond anti-corruption sentiment, the protest also carried a strong anti-immigration message. Many demonstrators expressed outrage over Sánchez’s recent decision to regularize half a million illegal migrants living in Spain, a move heavily criticized by the Spanish right. Protesters carried anti-immigration banners and chanted slogans against both the government and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.
Vox leader Santiago Abascal, speaking during the march, called for sustained public mobilization until the government falls, describing the Sánchez administration as a ‘corrupt mafia’.
Although the demonstration remained largely peaceful, tensions escalated near police barriers around Moncloa. Spanish authorities confirmed that at least seven police officers were injured and three individuals were arrested after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces.
Footage shared by numerous right-wing X accounts also appeared to show police deploying tear gas against protesters. ‘The pro-migration government deployed riot police against crowds marching towards his [Sánchez’s] residence,’ one widely circulated post claimed.
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