Author: Leah Pattem, Photos: Ignacio Lopez Isaamendi
Yesterday, pro-Palestine protesters successfully forced the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta a España, where an Israeli team had been competing.
After weeks of coordinated disruption attempts across Spain, more than 100,000 demonstrators descended on Madrid, blockading the route using their bodies and fencing barriers. Riot police responded with tear gas and multiple clashes broke out between protesters and authorities.
Finally, organisers halted the race before its planned finish, and the customary podium ceremony was scrapped. In a surprising reaction, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly expressed regret but also apparent support for those demonstrating in support of Palestine: “First and foremost, our recognition and absolute respect for the athletes, but also our admiration for the Spanish people who mobilise for just causes like that of Palestine.”
Spain is one of the few EU nations to have officially recognised Israel’s war in Gaza as genocide, and the coalition governing party Sumar has been very vocal about this, even participating in the protest yesterday.
Spain has already made strong diplomatic moves: recognising a Palestinian state in May 2024, introducing measures against Israeli military exports, and now, offering political legitimacy to public dissent, which is quite a move.
For Palestinian advocacy, this is a significant win. It is a demonstration that public pressure really can influence the government.
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