MADRID, Spain: Thousands of supporters of Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, took to streets in Madrid in an effort to persuade him not to resign.
The prime minister stunned the country Wednesday by announcing he was cancelling all official engagements in order to reflect on his future.
The decision came following a court opened an initial inquiry into his wife over allegations of influence peddling and corruption.
The Socialist leader will announce the decision on his future on Monday.
PM’s supporters travelled by bus from across the country to attend a support demonstration for Sánchez outside his party’s headquarters here, chanting “Pedro, don’t give up” and “You are not alone”.
According to the central government’s delegation in Madrid, about 12,500 people took part in the rally.
PM Sánchez announced his decision to consider his resignation on the same day the Madrid court opened an investigation into his wife, Begoña Gómez.
Organisation Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) led by a man linked to the far-right called Miguel Bernad brought the accusations against her.
The initial inquiry is looking into Ms Gómez’s links to private firms that secured government money or public contracts.
In particular, the inquiry is examining the relationship between a foundation she ran called IE Africa Center and tourism group Globalia, whose airline Air Europa received a €475m (£407m) bailout during the Covid-19 crisis.
Sanchez and his supporters say the allegations, widely reported in right-wing media, are false.
On Thursday, Madrid prosecutors called for the investigation to be halted due to a lack of evidence. Mr. Bernad’s complaint includes news clippings, one of which has already been proven false.
Sánchez, who heads the coalition, said the allegations against her wife were the latest attempt by right-wing parties and the media to undermine him.
