Mafia or Democracy: The Popular Party's Call to Action in Madrid

In the streets of Madrid, where the vibrant echoes of reggaeton legend Daddy Yankee seem to linger, the air is thick with protest and political fervor. Recent gatherings have transformed traditional popular Sundays into fervent demonstrations against the government, a reflection of the evolving landscape of dissent in Spain. At the helm of this movement is Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Popular Party (PP), who has rallied supporters with the audacious slogan, "Mafia or Democracy," following significant political turmoil and the imprisonment of key figures from the socialist government. Since Feijóo took charge of the Popular Party in 2023, citizens have taken to the streets multiple times to voice their discontent with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, with protests often materializing in the wake of scandals and political maneuvering. The initial call to action materialized on September 24, 2023, when Feijóo rallied approximately 40,000 supporters to Plaza de Felipe II, urging them to unify in defense of Spain’s democratic sovereignty. His words resonated deeply, as he drew historical parallels to the Cádiz Cortes, proclaiming the need to defend freedoms that were established over 200 years ago. However, the momentum of these gatherings has fluctuated. Only a few months later, another event attracted an audience of roughly 80,000, yet attendance saw a stark decline at subsequent protests, with only 8,000 showing up in December 2023. As the New Year approached, Feijóo’s messages intensified, reigniting civic engagement on January 28, 2024, when nearly 45,000 people protested against government policies perceived as compromising national integrity. Throughout these demonstrations, the PP’s messaging has adapted to the political climate. The protests often center on allegations of corruption within Sánchez’s government and the controversial deals with separatist parties. Feijóo has positioned himself as a stalwart defender of democracy, asserting that Spain must not surrender its freedoms nor allow its governance to be dictated by outside influences. As the European elections loomed in 2024, Feijóo pivoted his narrative towards rallying support against perceived inequality and injustice. However, this latest call to action saw participation dwindle to a mere 20,000 attendees, signaling a worrying trend of disengagement. Despite these setbacks, Feijóo’s latest mobilization on June 8, 2025, once again under the banner of "Mafia or Democracy," sought to address accusations of corruption plaguing the Sánchez administration amid the backdrop of significant political scandals. The reference to the failures surrounding the pandemic response further underscored the urgency of Feijóo’s message. As the latest demonstrations unfolded, many observers are watching closely to see if this push for popular pressure will culminate in a formal motion of censure against Sánchez. While Feijóo has generated considerable support from his political base, questions remain about the efficacy of these street demonstrations against the backdrop of decreased turnout. As the political showdown continues, the call to gather in Madrid serves as a potent reminder of the contentious relationship between power, the populace, and the deep-seated desire for accountability in governance. The narrative of "Mafia or Democracy" is more than a slogan; it encapsulates the growing frustrations and hopes of a nation navigating its political future amidst turbulent times. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2