Spain’s Conservative Party (PP) once again named the corrupt centre-left government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Sunday and called for a new poll during a demonstration in Madrid.
Feijóo, under the slogan “Mafia or Democracy”, demanded that the rally demand: “Abide by democracy – convene the election.”
Government officials put the number of participants up to 50,000, while Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida spoke about 100,000 protesters.
“We hope to kick out the mafia and restore our democracy as soon as possible,” Martínez-Almeida told cheering supporters.
Feijóo, who had previously slammed a “indecent government” under Sánchez and his Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), is now facing “strong protests from citizens and appeals to freedom”.
According to the survey, Spain’s domestic political discourse is often characterized by strong exaggeration and derogatory statements about opponents, which undermines many people’s trust in politicians.
Despite accusing Sanchez of being actually the “godfather” of a mafia organization, Fioo has not yet made a motion to condemn the parliamentary minority government.
To work, opposition leaders will have to rely on votes from regional parties. But if he also gets backing from right-wing populist Vox, they are unlikely to support him.
Currently, there are multiple corruption allegations circulating against PSOE.
The alleged Leire case involves allegations of a former party employee selling effects in judicial proceedings. Meanwhile, Sánchez’s brother is under investigation for possible nepotism.
Donations to politicians near PSOE in connection with tax fraud cases have also sparked an investigation.
But in the past, PP has also been struggling with corruption scandals involving illegal party funds, abuse of offices, bribery and cover-up.
