On Saturday, the far-right organization NΓΊcleo Nacional held a rally in the heart of Madrid, drawing around 700 supporters. Demonstrators marched along the Paseo del Prado toward the Congress building, chanting radical slogans and making demands against migrants and in defense of a ‘Christian Europe.’
Tensions were high from the very start of the march. Police were visible everywhere, while participants appeared highly organizedβwearing black, adopting a paramilitary style, and carrying flags and movement symbols. At one point, the situation spiraled out of control: following the first confrontations with police, riots broke out. Motorcycles were overturned, trash bins smashed, and one dumpster was set on fire. Rubber bullets echoed in the air, and the crowd quickly dispersed into nearby streets.
Organizers tried to deescalate, urging people to leave the scene and remove all insignia. But some young people kept provoking, throwing stones at police and shouting insults. In the area around Plaza de Neptuno and the streets of Barrio de las Letras, a real chase unfolded: police pursued far-right groups trying to disappear into the narrow alleyways. At this point, bars and cafΓ©s filled with people dressed in black, making it difficult to identify who was involved in the unrest.
As a result of swift police action, three people were detained. Law enforcement restored order about half an hour after the clashes began. Although the protest had been authorized in advance, it ended in chaos and street destruction. Representatives of NΓΊcleo Nacional said the event was held to mark the second anniversary of the protests on Calle de Ferraz against the amnesty law for those convicted in the Catalan separatism case. This time, organizers chose a route leading to Congress to highlight their disagreement with government policies, regardless of which party is in power.
Madrid has once again found itself in the spotlight due to far-right activity. City services quickly dealt with the aftermath of the unrest, and police are continuing their investigation to identify everyone involved in the incident. The demonstration showed that radical sentiments in society still spark sharp conflicts and require the close attention of law enforcement.
