Spanish Prime Minister Met with 'Traitor' Chants at National Parade
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was met with jeers and shouts of "traitor" at the National Day military parade in Madrid. The incident occurred about six weeks before early general elections, with polls showing a strong lead for right-wing parties. Sánchez's government has pursued policies hostile to Israel, including recognizing a Palestinian state and accusing Israel of genocide, leading to a diplomatic rift. The election campaign is also focused on domestic issues like the housing and immigration crises, as well as corruption allegations against the Prime Minister.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faced jeers and shouts of "traitor" at the National Day parade in Madrid.
- The incident occurred six weeks before Spain's general elections, with polls favoring the right-wing opposition.
- Sánchez's government recognized a Palestinian state and implemented policies critical of Israel.
- Israel's then-Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called Spain's actions antisemitic.
- Spain recalled its ambassador to Israel in March amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, described as one of Europe's most hostile leaders towards Israel, was met with jeers, whistles, and shouts of protest during the National Day military parade in Madrid. The incident occurred approximately six weeks before general elections, with polls indicating a clear majority for the right-wing opposition, potentially jeopardizing Sánchez's tenure.
According to Europa Press, Sánchez arrived at the event in his official car and waited for several minutes before exiting to join other officials. Spain's King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Crown Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía were also in attendance. Boos and jeers were heard as the royal family was received and again at the parade's conclusion. This is not the first time Sánchez has faced such reactions at national holiday events, but this year's ceremony took place amidst a tense election campaign.
The parade featured 4,380 personnel from the armed forces, security forces, and other public bodies, along with aircraft, vehicles, and horses. The general elections are scheduled for November 29, having been called early by Sánchez following the rejection of his government's proposals to address the housing crisis. The socialist prime minister, in office since 2018, is currently trailing right-wing parties in opinion polls. One poll from El País suggests the conservative People's Party and the Vox party could together secure 198 seats, surpassing the 176 needed for a parliamentary majority.
Beyond the housing crisis, the election campaign is expected to focus on the immigration crisis and corruption investigations involving Sánchez's associates and family members, allegations he denies, attributing some proceedings to political motives. Sánchez's government recognized a Palestinian state in 2024, imposed an arms embargo on Israel, and banned ships and planes carrying weapons to Israel from Spanish ports or airspace. He also accused Israel of "genocide" in Gaza, reduced imports from Israeli settlements, and called for the suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement. Israel strongly rejected these accusations, with then-Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar labeling Spain's actions as antisemitic. The diplomatic rift intensified in March when Spain permanently recalled its ambassador to Israel, leaving its embassy managed by a chargé d'affaires.
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