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Madrid — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has escalated his government’s position on the Gaza conflict by demanding Israel’s expulsion from international competitions, including both sporting and cultural events.
The appeal came after pro-Palestinian protests forced the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta a España in Madrid on Sunday.
Speaking before Socialist lawmakers in the Spanish Congress on Monday, Sánchez compared Israel’s military offensive in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, insisting international institutions must avoid “double standards.” 
“Why was Russia expelled and not Israel? Our position is clear: until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should take part in international competitions,” Sánchez said. “Israel cannot use global platforms to whitewash its presence. Sports institutions must ask themselves if it is ethical to maintain Israel in these events.”
Turning Point: Vuelta a España Protests Against Gaza War
The disruption of Spain’s premier cycling race marked a symbolic shift for the government. Thousands of demonstrators filled Madrid’s streets to denounce what ministers have openly described as “genocide” in Gaza.
While mostly peaceful, the protests led to two arrests and left 22 police officers injured during clashes with a small minority.
Government spokesperson and Education Minister Pilar Alegría defended the demonstrators:
“That popular outcry cannot be ignored by international bodies. In the face of genocide, absolute indifference is not an option. We must apply the same standards.”
Sánchez praised citizens who mobilized during the three-week cycling race, framing their activism as proof of Spain’s democratic values.
Sumar and Podemos Push for Eurovision Boycott and Sanctions
Coalition partners are now pressuring Sánchez to adopt tougher measures.
Sumar, led by Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, has launched a campaign to prevent Israel from participating in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Coordinator Lara Hernández warned Spain should withdraw if Israel remains in the competition.
“The State of Israel must not participate in any cultural event,” Hernández said. “If Israel goes to Eurovision, Spain should not be there. We will not be complicit in whitewashing a genocide broadcast live in the 21st century.”
Sumar has already collected thousands of signatures and plans a parliamentary initiative on the matter.
Podemos has gone further, demanding a complete boycott of Israel across political, cultural, academic, and economic arenas. Spokesperson Pablo Fernández accused Sánchez of hypocrisy, citing the heavy police presence at protests.
“The PSOE and Pedro Sánchez are pro-Palestinian only in words, not in deeds. It’s hypocrisy of the highest order.”
Podemos has tied its support for the state budget to stricter conditions, including a binding arms embargo and the severing of commercial and diplomatic ties with Israel.
Right-Wing Opposition Criticizes Sánchez Over Israel
Conservative leaders strongly condemned Sánchez’s remarks and the Vuelta protests.
Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso accused him of fueling unrest:
“He is the only person in Spain happy about what happened,” Ayuso told esRadio, calling the protests a “planned attack” against Madrid’s institutions.
Former Prime Minister José María Aznar went further, branding Sánchez “an instigator of street violence.” He accused the government of encouraging radical demonstrations to distract from corruption allegations.
Government officials pushed back. Francisco Martín, the central government’s delegate in Madrid, argued that Ayuso had worsened tensions by posing with the Israeli cycling team earlier in the race.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska defended the police response, calling it “proportional and professional.”
What’s Next for Spain’s Israel Policy?
Spain’s increasingly confrontational stance on Israel sets it apart within the European Union, where countries like Germany remain staunchly supportive of Israel’s military campaign.
Sánchez insists his government’s approach reflects both humanitarian values and Spanish public opinion.
Whether international sports federations, cultural bodies, or the European Broadcasting Union heed Spain’s call to suspend Israel remains uncertain. But Sánchez has made clear that Spain intends to keep pressing.
“We are not afraid to disagree with our allies,” he said. “In a world this complex, Spain must stand tall on the side of victims, not aggressors.”
Information Source:
Photo Attribution:
Viaje del presidente del Gobierno a Israel (Noviembre 2023) / Gobierno de España / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Visita de Pedro Sánchez. Núria Parlon Gil / Flickr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
