A large-scale protest is being organized in Madrid by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Partido Popular (PP). The main goal is to voice dissatisfaction over corruption scandals involving the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (Partido Socialista Obrero Español, PSOE). Organizers are counting on strong support from regional branches, which have already been instructed to mobilize supporters and ensure a large turnout at Plaza Templo de Debod.
Feijóo chose not to wait for public attention to die down after the arrests of former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and his associate Koldo García. The decision to hold what will be the seventh protest of this legislative term came immediately after Judge Leopoldo Puente ruled to send them to jail. This time, the opposition is focusing on corruption, which they say has become deeply rooted within the Socialist party.
Mobilizing the regions and relying on strong turnout
On the day the protest was announced, Feijóo called on regional PP leaders to ensure maximum attendance. Messages circulated in party group chats, urging local branches to organize buses to transport supporters to Madrid. Despite having only three days to prepare, the party is confident of success and expects a significant number of participants.
Among those who have confirmed their participation are the presidents of the autonomous communities—Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, Fernando López Miras, Jorge Azcón, Alfonso Rueda, Javier de Andrés, Alejandro Fernández, and the newly elected Juanfran Pérez Llorca. Madrid president Isabel Díaz Ayuso will play a special role at the rally and is scheduled to speak after the city’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida.
Political background and pressure on Junts
The demonstration comes amid intense political and legal pressure for Pedro Sánchez’s government and PSOE. Party members are open about their intent to use the protest as leverage against the Catalan party Junts per Catalunya, hoping to secure their support for a vote of no confidence. Feijóo has already called on Catalan business leaders to persuade Junts representatives to vote against the Socialists.
At the same time, PP leadership acknowledges they do not currently have enough votes to successfully pass a vote of no confidence. However, the situation could shift if PSOE is formally charged with illegal financing. In that case, party secretary general Miguel Tellado said, “the scenario would change drastically” and this would become a “red line” for many government allies.
Vox distances itself from the protest
Despite Feijóo’s calls for both voters and Vox leaders to join the protest, the ultra-conservative party chose not to participate. Vox representatives have openly criticized the PP for trying to cooperate with the PSOE while also staging street demonstrations against the socialists. In their view, such protests are pointless without real steps toward a change of government, specifically—without immediately launching a vote of no confidence.
Previously, Vox representatives, including José María Figaredo, had already expressed frustration that the PP confines itself to public demonstrations rather than taking decisive action. This time, the party opted to distance itself completely from the rally, even though its members had participated in similar events before.
History of the protests and expectations for the new rally
The upcoming demonstration will be the seventh since the last parliamentary elections. The previous rally took place in June at Plaza de España under the slogan “Mafia or democracy?” At that time, according to PP estimates, more than 100,000 people took to the streets, though official figures were half that. This time, organizers expect to fill the area around the Temple of Debod, even though it is smaller than the previous venue.
In June, mass discontent was sparked by revelations of attempts to interfere in judicial investigations involving the government and the PSOE leadership. Shortly after, former PSOE number three Santos Cerdán was taken into custody on suspicion of leading a criminal group that received illegal commissions.
Despite unfavorable weather conditions and the event coinciding with the start of the Christmas sales, the PP is confident it can once again demonstrate its broad support and increase pressure on the government. This time, the rally will be held without party symbols and will conclude with a speech by Feijóo himself, joined by former prime ministers Mariano Rajoy and José María Aznar.
