A new wave of political confrontation has erupted in Madrid after the final stage of the prestigious Vuelta a España cycling race was overshadowed by mass protests. Demonstrations organized in solidarity with the residents of Gaza escalated into clashes that left more than two dozen police officers injured.
The leader of the People’s Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, sharply criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. According to the opposition figure, the events are the result of irresponsible policies which, in his words, not only fail to prevent escalation but also push society toward division. Feijóo believes the president is effectively fueling tensions and leaving law enforcement without support during crucial moments.
In a public address, Feijóo stressed that such incidents should not become the norm for a democratic state. He expressed confidence that the government is incapable of meeting the challenges of maintaining order and promised that, if his team comes to power, they will act differently, never justifying violence under any circumstances.
Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida also weighed in on the discussion. He stated that he supports the right to peaceful demonstrations, but firmly rejects aggressive actions, which he believes were provoked by political statements from the national leadership. According to the mayor, such events damage the capital’s reputation and create further grounds for tension between the central government and the city.
The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, compared the atmosphere in the city on the day of the protests to a war zone, emphasizing that tourists were forced to leave the city center in haste. She expressed regret over how the events affected Madrid’s image and drew attention to problems with security arrangements and transportation on that day.
As a result of the unrest, several people were detained and dozens of police officers sustained minor injuries. The aftermath continues to be discussed both at the city administration level and in national politics. The question of how to prevent similar incidents in the future remains open and is sparking heated debate among Spanish politicians and the public.
