Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stirred fresh political controversy after expressing appreciation for pro-Palestinian demonstrators who protested along the route of the prestigious Vuelta a España cycling race, prompting threats of withdrawal from some riders.
The last leg of the race was cancelled on Sunday afternoon after pro-Palestinian protests blocked the route in central Madrid.
Speaking at a Socialist Party rally in Málaga, Sánchez said: “As the Vuelta comes to an end, we send our full respect and recognition to the athletes – but also our appreciation to the Spanish people who rally for just causes like Palestine.”
In recent days, protests have intensified against the Israel Premier Tech cycling team, against the backdrop of the war in Gaza. Thousands of demonstrators lined the course, and some even breached security barriers Saturday, staging a sit-in that blocked the road in the Guadarrama mountains. Riders were forced to steer around the protesters to continue the stage.
More than 1,000 police officers were deployed to secure the final leg of the race, which concluded in Madrid after 21 days of competition.
Spain, which formally recognized a Palestinian state in May 2024, has maintained a sharply critical stance toward Israel. Earlier this month, Sánchez’s government announced new restrictions on military equipment supplies to Israel.
Last week, Sánchez said: “Spain, as you know, has no nuclear bombs, no aircraft carriers, no significant oil reserves. Alone, we cannot stop the Israeli offensive. But that does not mean we will stop trying.”
His remarks supporting the demonstrators drew sharp reactions from the opposition. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative Popular Party, wrote on X: “It is not the government’s role to encourage such protests. Cabinet ministers must condemn, denounce and prevent them.”