Pedro Sánchez accused of causing global ‘embarrassment’ after protests against Israel-Premier Tech team swamp finish line
Pedro Sánchez accused of causing global ‘embarrassment’ after protests against Israel-Premier Tech team swamp finish line
The premature and chaotic end of the Vuelta a España cycle race has triggered a bitter political row in Spain, with opposition politicians accusing the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, of causing the country “international embarrassment” by encouraging pro-Palestinian demonstrators to disrupt the event.
The race’s final stage was abandoned after groups protesting against the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team swamped the finish line area and presentation podium in central Madrid on Sunday night.
Although Israel-Premier Tech is a private team and not a state one, its presence in the race had led to a series of demonstrations. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had praised the team for “not giving in to hate and intimidation”, adding that it had made Israel proud.
The protests culminated with 100,000 demonstrators gathering for Sunday’s rally. According to the Spanish government, 22 police officers were injured in clashes with protesters and two people were arrested.
Speaking earlier on Sunday, Sánchez – who has been a vocal critic of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, accusing it of perpetrating a genocide against the Palestinians – praised both those taking part in the Vuelta and those taking part in the protests.
