Tens of Thousands in Madrid Demand Sanchez Resignation

Tens of thousands of people protested in Madrid on Saturday against Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, calling for his resignation over a series of corruption scandals. A small group of demonstrators attempted to break through police barriers at the prime minister's residence.

Police detained a group of masked people on the main road leading to the residence, according to television footage.

Participants carried banners demanding the "resignation of the socialist mafia" and waved Spanish flags. The march, organized by the Spanish Civil Society Association, was also attended by representatives of the opposition People's Party and the Vox party.

Further pressure on the government came from a court decision on Tuesday to investigate former Socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero over allegations of influence peddling and money laundering. Zapatero denies the accusations.

Organizers put attendance at 80,000, while authorities estimated the turnout at around 40,000.

(reuters, lud)