Malaga/Madrid, September 15(HS): Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faced a torrent of criticism after impassioned pro-Palestinian protests—sparked by his public statements—forced the dramatic abandonment of the final stage of La Vuelta cycling race in Madrid.

Addressing a Socialist Party rally in Malaga, Sánchez voiced “respect and recognition for the athletes and admiration for the Spanish people mobilizing for just causes like Palestine,” remarks that rapidly became a flashpoint for controversy as demonstrators blockaded the race route, bringing the iconic event to a halt.

Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, squarely blamed the prime minister for the disruption, declaring it “violence that the prime minister is directly responsible for due to his statements this morning instigating the protests.” In a somber address, he called it “the saddest day since I became mayor of this great city,” lamenting the cancellation of a global sporting showcase for Spain’s capital.The fallout quickly escalated internationally, with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar branding Sánchez and his government a “disgrace” to Spain.

In a social media post, Saar claimed the prime minister “encouraged protesters to take to the streets,” and alleged that “the pro-Palestinian mob heard the messages of incitement—and ruined the cycling race La Vuelta.”

The abrupt suspension marks the first time La Vuelta has been ended prematurely due to civil unrest, underscoring how domestic and international political tensions are increasingly intersecting with major cultural and sporting events in Spain.

The incident has triggered fierce debate over the balance between free expression and public order, and the responsibilities of political leaders in shaping the national discourse on contentious global issues.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar