Since he became President of the Government in 2018, Pedro Sanchez He has not known a single peaceful October 12th. Whistles, boos and serious protocol errors marked each national holiday.
This Saturday, Sánchez will have to appear in the center of Madrid in front of thousands of people during the armed forces parade. She will do so after seven days during which she was the target of the corruption scandals that haunt those around her (Begoña Gomez) as well as the one who was his right arm within the PSOE (Jose Luis Abalos).
Furthermore, the week began with the revelation of the scheme to reduce the prison sentences of ETA prisoners. Precisely, during last year’s 12-O, the most repeated slogan against Sánchez was “let Txapote vote for you.” On both sides of the Prado promenade, the president received shouts from the participants. “Puigdemont in prison” was also chanted. The Kings, on the other hand, were cheered.
Circumstances emerging this week could lead to an intensification of protests. Sánchez could have an ally in the weather. According to forecasts, rain could mark the day and discourage public attendance. Defense, for example, has already planned to cancel the flypast if conditions are unfavorable.
The repetition of protest demonstrations led the Government to 2023 to change the location of the parade. The event moved from Paseo de la Castellana to Paseo de Prado. This allowed ahas a greater distance between the public and the authorities. Despite this, the whistle It was noisy. The day has arrived in full negotiation with the independence movement of the amnesty law.
A year before, in 2022, Sánchez had ignored protocol and arrived after them. Philip VI and the Queen Letizia. The Kings who were forced to stay for almost half a minute inside their official car to wait for the President of the Government.
A few They interpreted this delay as a lack of courtesy towards the monarchs, to try to save the boos. Cameras captured the moment security personnel held the door closed to the vehicle the kings were traveling in, awaiting the president’s arrival.
It is also significant that in 2019 its presence stopped announcing over the PA system to avoid drawing public attention to him.
Illa will be present, Pradales will not
Besides the kings and the president, Alberto Nuñez Feijóomembers of the Government and representatives of the main state institutions will attend the parade which will begin at 11:00 a.m.
All regional presidents are expected, with the exception of the president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijoand the lehendakari, Imanol Pradales. After 14 years of absence of a president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa announced his presence.
The royal tribune, from where the Kings and Princess Eleonore They will continue the event, it will be again in the Plaza de Neptuno.
More than 4,000 military, 85 aircraft and 266 motor vehicles are planned to participate in the parade. After this event, the Royal Palace will host the traditional reception offered by the monarchs. Like last year, they will be accompanied by Princess Leonor.
Around 2,000 guests are expected at this reception. Participants will pass through the throne room for the traditional kiss of the hands of Felipe VI, Doña Letizia and the Princess of Asturias.
