Description: Around 50 thousand protesters gathered in the Spanish capital as opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo representing the People’s Party accused leading Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of undermining the democracy, being involved in corruption and having ties with the Spanish mafia. Sanchez and his close associates from the Socialist PSOE party have been investigated over tax fraud charges and controversial donations linked to key lawmakers within the party. Feijoo is yet to submit request for snap elections before the Spanish parliament having to secure majority support mostly from the far – right Vox party. Prime Minister Sanchez has refused the allegations labeling them as a far – right smear campaign, with his PSOE failing in approval ratings behind the oppositional PP, according to recent polls.
Impact: Spain follows suit within Europe’s growing internal crisis and the trend of the rising far – right political parties. Recent developments in the Netherlands, Portugal, Czech Republic and other countries emphasize the internal division within the European Union which contribute to the continents lack of political immunity to resist external hybrid threats and influence operations. Sanchez’ individual ratings remain high although his party could experience a stifling descent amid recent controversies surrounding the Prime Minister. Europe is beleaguered by political divisions and upheaving crises which substantially compromises the Union’s strategic positioning on crucial global issues, such as the war in Ukraine, the trade disputes with the US and the growing threats and influence operations from Russia and China.