The rallies, organized by various city councils and opposition parties, reflect growing domestic unrest following an influx of migrants last month. More than 72,000 people reportedly breached the border into Ceuta from neighboring Morocco, an event that local residents and political figures have characterized as an invasion .
The largest of Wednesday’s protests occurred in the capital, Madrid, where an estimated 50,000 people gathered. Addressing the crowd, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative People’s Party (PP), sharply criticized the government’s response, stating that a Spanish city had been “invaded, occupied,” and claimed that this occurred “with the knowledge of the government of Spain” .
Santiago Abascal, leader of the right-wing Vox party, echoed these sentiments, accusing Prime Minister Sánchez of acting as a “lackey of the Moroccan regime” .
The situation in Ceuta remains highly volatile. While authorities have returned a majority of the migrants to Morocco, thousands remain in the enclave, residing in makeshift camps . The sustained presence of the migrants has led to severe tension within the territory. Local reports indicate that furious residents have torched several of the makeshift camps as unrest grips the area. Furthermore, opposition parties allege that residents of Ceuta have been abandoned by the central government amidst reports of daily sexual assaults since the initial influx .
The protests in Ceuta have become a near-daily occurrence, mirroring the broader national demonstrations that spilled onto the mainland, where riot police reportedly deployed tear gas to disperse crowds .
The political pressure on Sánchez is compounded by a report compiled by Spanish police, which accuses Moroccan authorities of “total permissiveness” and effectively encouraging the border breach . However, Sánchez has previously insisted that Moroccan officials were not to blame for the unprecedented event .
The prime minister’s immigration policies are heavily scrutinised by the protesters. Earlier this year, the Sánchez government approved plans to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants already residing in Spain, a move Sánchez defended in April as “an act of justice and a necessity for the country” . Opponents cite this mass legalization as a core reason for the current discontent, arguing it incentivizes further illegal migration.
International reactions are also emerging. In a snippet from an upcoming interview with GB News, former US President Donald Trump commented on the situation, suggesting that the crisis could lead to Spain becoming a “ruined country” and describing the visual of “thousands of people just bum-rushing your country” as unprecedented and “very sad to watch” .
As protests continue to spread across the mainland and within Ceuta, the Sánchez government faces an escalating political crisis, balancing intense domestic opposition against complex diplomatic relations with Morocco.
Tens of Thousands Take to Spain’s Streets Demanding Pedro Sánchez Resign
Spain’s political tensions have intensified as protesters take to the streets to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, reflecting growing frustration with his government, allegations surrounding political figures close to his party, and mounting concerns about the country’s direction.
Demonstrations demanding Sánchez’s departure have become a visible expression of opposition to his leadership. Protesters have accused the government of failing to meet public expectations and have called for greater accountability from those in power. The scale of the demonstrations has also highlighted the divisions between Sánchez’s supporters and those who believe Spain needs a change of government.
However, the protests are taking place against a complicated political backdrop. Spain is dealing with several overlapping disputes, including corruption allegations, immigration pressures, housing affordability and the difficulties faced by a minority government attempting to secure parliamentary support.
Anger Over the Government’s Leadership
For opponents of Sánchez, the demonstrations provide an opportunity to turn dissatisfaction into a public demand for political change. Protesters have carried Spanish flags and slogans calling for the prime minister to resign, while opposition figures have used the controversy surrounding his administration to question whether his government can continue to command public confidence.
A major demonstration in Madrid on May 23, 2026, was organised by the Spanish Civil Society association. Organisers estimated that approximately 80,000 people attended, while the government’s representative in Madrid put the figure at around 40,000. The rally followed a series of corruption-related allegations involving Sánchez’s political circle. The demonstration was largely peaceful, although a small group attempted to breach barriers near the prime minister’s official residence. Police reported injuries and arrests. <Cite refs={[“turn719831search5″,”turn719831search6”]}/>
The difference between the organisers’ estimate and the official figure illustrates why crowd numbers can become politically contested. Nevertheless, the demonstration showed that opposition to Sánchez was capable of bringing substantial numbers of people into the streets.
For those calling for his resignation, the central argument is that the prime minister should accept political responsibility when serious questions arise about people associated with his party and government. Supporters of Sánchez, however, have argued that allegations must be examined through the legal system and that political pressure should not replace evidence.
Corruption Allegations Put Pressure on Sánchez
Corruption allegations have contributed to the pressure on Sánchez and the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, known as the PSOE. Investigations and legal proceedings involving individuals connected to the wider political environment have given opposition parties fresh opportunities to challenge the government.
Sánchez has rejected claims that his administration should be held responsible for alleged wrongdoing by others and has portrayed some accusations as politically motivated. Individuals facing allegations have also denied wrongdoing in relevant cases.
It is important to distinguish allegations from proven offences. An investigation does not automatically establish guilt, and the legal position of each person must be assessed separately. Nevertheless, political controversies can damage confidence even before courts reach final conclusions, particularly when voters believe that those in power are not providing sufficiently clear answers.
For the government, the challenge is to demonstrate transparency, cooperate with legitimate investigations and explain how it intends to maintain public confidence. For the opposition, the task is to turn criticism into a credible alternative that addresses the concerns driving public dissatisfaction.
Housing Costs Add to Public Frustration
Political anger in Spain has also been fuelled by the housing crisis. High rents, limited affordable accommodation and difficulties for younger people trying to establish independent households have become major issues in public debate.
In early October, tens of thousands of people protested across Spain after Parliament rejected proposed measures intended to address housing problems. The demonstrations followed the widely publicised eviction of an elderly woman from her Madrid home and reflected broader frustration about rising housing costs and insecurity among renters. <Cite refs={[“turn719831news8″,”turn719831search7”]}/>
The housing demonstrations were driven primarily by demands for government action on affordability, rather than solely by calls for Sánchez to resign. Their significance, however, extends to the wider political debate: they show how everyday economic pressures can undermine confidence in political institutions when people feel that their circumstances are not improving.
The government has faced difficulties securing parliamentary support for its housing proposals. Opposition parties and other parliamentary groups have challenged aspects of its approach, arguing that certain measures could have unintended consequences for the supply of rental properties.
That disagreement leaves Spain facing a difficult policy question. Renters want protection from rapidly rising costs, while property owners and critics of regulation warn that poorly designed interventions could reduce the availability of housing. Finding a workable solution will require more than political slogans from either side.
Immigration and Political Divisions
Immigration has also become a source of political tension. Demonstrations in Madrid in September included calls for Sánchez to resign and demands for the expulsion of migrants from Ceuta, the Spanish territory on the North African coast. The rally linked dissatisfaction with the government to wider arguments about border management and immigration policy. <Cite refs={[“turn719831search1″,”turn719831search0”]}/>
For right-wing opposition parties, immigration provides an opportunity to argue that the government has failed to respond adequately to public concerns. Sánchez and his allies face the challenge of defending their approach while addressing practical questions about border security, reception arrangements and the treatment of migrants.
These issues are often discussed together at political rallies, but they involve distinct policy choices. Immigration management, housing supply and public integrity each require specific responses. Treating them as a single problem may generate a powerful political message, but it does not resolve the underlying challenges.
The debate also reflects a broader divide over Spain’s identity and future direction. Some voters prioritise stronger border controls and a tougher approach to public order, while others emphasise humanitarian obligations, social protection and the risks of turning complex problems into confrontations between communities.
An Uncertain Future for the Government
Sánchez’s political difficulties have become more serious as his minority government has struggled to secure support in Parliament. In October 2026, following legislative defeats over housing measures, he announced a snap general election for November 29, bringing the electoral contest forward from the previously expected end of the parliamentary term. <Cite refs={[“turn719831search2”]}/>
The decision gives voters an opportunity to judge the government’s record and decide which political forces should lead the country next. It also raises the stakes for the opposition, which must demonstrate that it can offer policies capable of addressing housing costs, economic concerns, immigration and confidence in public institutions.
An early election does not guarantee a particular result. The outcome will depend on voter turnout, campaign developments, party alliances and whether competing political groups can persuade the electorate that their proposals are realistic.
For Sánchez, the campaign provides an opportunity to defend his record and argue that his government’s social and economic priorities deserve continued support. For his opponents, it is a chance to make the case that Spain needs a different direction.
Protests Reflect a Wider Crisis of Confidence
The calls for Sánchez to resign demonstrate the intensity of political disagreement in Spain, but the demonstrations do not represent a unanimous national verdict. The country remains politically divided, and people protesting for different reasons may not agree on what should replace the current government.
What connects many of the disputes is a question of trust: whether political leaders are listening to citizens, whether institutions are responding effectively to public concerns, and whether the government can deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives.
The answer will not be determined by the size of a single demonstration. It will depend on the evidence emerging from legal proceedings, the government’s ability to address economic and social pressures, and the choices Spanish voters make at the ballot box.
As the election approaches, demands for Sánchez’s resignation are likely to remain part of the political debate. The challenge for every party will be to move beyond protest and present a convincing account of how Spain should be governed. For the prime minister, the coming weeks will test his ability to defend his record; for the opposition, they will test whether public dissatisfaction can be translated into a clear electoral mandate.