Conservatives demand new Spanish elections amid corruption outcry

Spain's conservative People's Party (PP) on Sunday again branded the centre-left government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez corrupt and called for new polls at a demonstration in Madrid.

"Submit to democracy - call elections," Feijóo demanded at the rally under the slogan "Mafia or democracy."

Government officials put the number of participants at up to 50,000, while the PP mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, spoke of 100,000 demonstrators.

"We want to drive out the mafia as quickly as possible and restore our democracy," Martínez-Almeida told cheering supporters.

Feijóo previously lambasted an "indecent government" under Sánchez and his Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) that now faces a "civic outcry and a thunderous call for freedom."

Domestic political discourse in Spain is often characterized by strong exaggerations and derogatory statements about opponents, which undermines the trust of many people in politicians, according to surveys.

Despite the accusation that Sánchez is effectively the "godfather" of a mafia organization, Feijóo has not yet tabled a motion of censure against the minority government in parliament.

To push this through, the opposition leader would have to rely on votes from regional parties. However, they are unlikely to support him if he also had the support of the right-wing populist Vox.

There are currently multiple allegations of corruption circulating against the PSOE.

The so-called Leire case involves allegations of influence peddling in judicial proceedings by a former party employee. Sánchez's brother is meanwhile being investigated for possible nepotism.

Donations to politicians close to the PSOE in connection with a tax fraud case have also triggered investigations.

However, the PP has also been mired in corruption scandals in the past, involving illegal party funding, abuse of office, bribery and cover-ups.