Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing criticism from opposition leaders who accuse him of inciting the pro-Palestinian protests that disrupted and ultimately cancelled the final stage of La Vuelta a España cycling race.

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The final stage of La Vuelta a España was cancelled after thousands of pro-Palestine protesters broke through the finish line in Madrid, resulting in two detentions and injuries to 22 police officers. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was accused by some politicians of inciting the protest, but his public statements only expressed respect for the athletes and admiration for those mobilising for just causes, such as Palestine, without explicitly calling for action or referencing the race.

Despite Sánchez's neutral remarks, political opponents, including the Mayor of Madrid and the president of the Madrid region, held him responsible for the disruption, citing his comments as inflammatory. However, there is no evidence in Sánchez's statements that he encouraged or incited the protest or the halting of the race.

Did Pedro Sánchez incite protesters to stop La Vuelta cycling race?

Did Pedro Sánchez incite pro-Palestine protesters to stop La Vuelta's cycling race? Many Spaniards are enraged by the cancellation of the last lap of La Vuelta a España, their iconic three-week cycling race across the country. Its final stage was abandoned this weekend after thousands of pro-Palestine protesters broke the finish line in Madrid. Two people were detained and 22 police officers injured. Prominent Spanish politicians were quick to argue that Pedro Sánchez, Spain's prime minister, was directly responsible for the disruption. But what did Sánchez actually say? Speaking at a PSOE event in Andalucía, Sánchez said he first and foremost respected the athletes competing in the Vuelta, but he also expressed admiration for Spaniards who mobilised for just causes like that of Palestine. He added that he felt proud to see a country that, despite its diversity, comes together on a just cause like human rights, finishing with long live the Spanish people. He did not explicitly call for protests or mention stopping the race, and in fact hailed the athletes as much as the protesters. But many still found his words inflammatory and irresponsible. José Luis Martínez Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, said Today, Madrid has been overwhelmed by violence, for which I make the president of the government directly responsible, because of his irresponsible statement this morning inciting the demonstrators. And Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Madrid region, tweeted When the president of the nation cheers on the boycott against the Vuelta a Teclista, he becomes responsible for every clash that occurs. Meanwhile, accusations also rained from the left, blaming Sánchez for not doing enough to support the protesters. For more UN videos visit www.un.org

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Did Pedro Sánchez incite protesters to stop La Vuelta cycling race?

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