Spain’s capital is set to witness two major protests this coming Sunday, which could lead to unexpected developments. While the Partido Popular (PP) is gathering its supporters in the park near the Templo de Debod, organizations linked to the far-right Vox party are preparing their own demonstration just a few hundred meters away—outside the central office of the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE).
There is just an hour between the start times: PP supporters are meeting at noon, while the far-right will assemble at 1:00 p.m. The two gathering points are about 600 meters apart. Organizers from Vox’s youth wing and the Hazte Oír movement have openly declared their intent to bring the protesters together and march toward the socialist headquarters to increase pressure on the government.
Divided stances between the parties
Vox leadership has officially distanced itself from the PP-organized event, calling it a ‘deception’ and ‘pointless.’ Far-right congresswoman Pepa Millán sharply criticized the opposition’s initiative, stressing that the party has no intention of taking part in what it sees as a disingenuous event. According to her, PP organizes rallies on weekends but continues negotiations with the socialists during the week, which has sown distrust among part of the electorate.
Nevertheless, youth and ultraconservative groups linked to Vox not only remain involved, but are actively calling for more radical action. Videos and calls to take to the streets are circulating on social media, urging people to protest against the government’s policies and, in their words, to ‘stop tolerating a criminal organization.’
Far-right plans and possible consequences
The organizers of the second rally make no secret of their goal—to lead the crowd from the PP protest to the PSOE headquarters on calle Ferraz. In November 2023, this location became the epicenter of daily demonstrations following the passage of the amnesty law, which saw clashes with police and arrests. Concerns about a repeat of such incidents persist, especially since the authorities have not yet received an official notification about the rally.
Videos urging participation are being shared by well-known bloggers and influencers affiliated with the far-right movement. Among them are Cake Minuesa, Cristina Seguí, and Jesús Santorio, whose posts garner hundreds of thousands of views. In one video, a young activist declares that ‘we can’t keep taking this’ and that ‘it’s time to act for national dignity.’
Political response and risk of escalation
PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has so far avoided calls to protest directly outside the Socialists’ headquarters, although several party members had previously joined such demonstrations on their own initiative. This time, however, the organizers of the far-right rally hope that a large march will unite dissatisfied citizens and increase pressure on the government.
It remains unclear how authorities will respond if the two protest groups merge and the crowd moves toward the PSOE building. The lack of official authorization for the second demonstration could mean the event will be deemed unlawful, and any incidents could result in further arrests and increased security measures in central Madrid.
Public reaction and expectations
The situation surrounding the upcoming rallies is drawing significant public attention. Social media users are discussing not only the political rift between PP and Vox, but also the potential consequences of uniting protesters. Many fear that a mass march to PSOE headquarters could escalate tensions and lead to new confrontations with police.
Madrid authorities and law enforcement officials have so far refrained from commenting, but are preparing for heightened patrols in the areas where the rallies will be held. Sunday is expected to be a test for the city’s security and political stability.
