Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt La Vuelta; Sánchez Faces Backlash

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is under scrutiny following pro-Palestinian protests that halted the final stage of the La Vuelta a España cycling race. The disruption occurred on September 10, 2023, when demonstrators occupied critical sections of the route in central Madrid, specifically along Gran Vía, a major thoroughfare. As a result, the race was called off due to safety concerns, leaving cyclists stranded just 60 kilometers from the finish line.

The protests led to confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement, resulting in injuries to 22 police officers and the detention of two individuals. Although cyclist Jonas Vingegaard was named the overall winner, the traditional podium ceremony was cancelled. Race organizers criticized the events as “absolutely unacceptable,” highlighting the significant impact on both the event and the athletes involved.

Amid the chaos, Sánchez addressed the situation during a gathering organized by his party, the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), in Andalusia. He acknowledged the end of the cycling event, expressing “absolute recognition and respect for the athletes” while praising the Spanish people for their commitment to “just causes,” including support for Palestine.

Critics quickly interpreted these remarks as a form of incitement. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative People’s Party (PP), accused Sánchez of encouraging the protest, which had shown signs of escalating violence in the days leading up to the race. Feijóo stated, “The president of the government encouraged a protest that… had already shown signs of turning violent. That makes him responsible for the acts of violence that later took place.” He further claimed Sánchez had “permitted” and “induced” the disruption of the race, linking the protests directly to the Prime Minister’s comments.

Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, also voiced his discontent, holding Sánchez accountable for the violence that unfolded during the protests. In a statement, he remarked, “Today Madrid has been overwhelmed by violence… I make the president of the government directly responsible for his irresponsible statements.” Regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso echoed these sentiments on social media, suggesting that Sánchez’s words had emboldened the demonstrators and called into question his commitment to public safety.

Despite these accusations, Sánchez did not explicitly call for protests or endorse any disruptions. His comments were intended as expressions of solidarity with those advocating for human rights. He recognized the athletes participating in La Vuelta and made no mention of roadblocks or targeting the race. Moreover, protests had been ongoing for several days, with earlier demonstrations occurring during the race that featured a substantial police presence in anticipation of unrest.

On the left side of the political spectrum, some members of Sánchez’s party also criticized his handling of the situation. They accused him of hypocrisy for praising protesters while allowing police to suppress their actions. Gabriel Rufían, from the Catalan party ERC, remarked that Sánchez “sent in the police to repress the same protesters he had applauded.” Ione Belarra from Podemos stated that if Sánchez genuinely admired the demonstrations, he should have “withdrawn the massive police operation” deployed in Madrid.

The political fallout from the La Vuelta disruption highlights the tensions surrounding public demonstrations in Spain. While Sánchez’s remarks aimed to express solidarity with peaceful activism, they have led to a divided political landscape, with opposition leaders blaming him for the violence and unrest. As the situation continues to unfold, the implications for Sánchez’s government and public discourse on human rights advocacy remain significant.