Since Pedro Sanchez took over as President of the Government, Columbus day has been marked not only by the military deployment, but also by the constant protests and boos he receives when arriving at the parade.
This year, the October 12the focus is on how Sánchez will approach the event amid growing political and social tension. In recent years, cries of “resignation!” and the appellant “Let Txapote vote for you” have accompanied the president, and 2024 seems to be no exception.
Measures to mitigate booing on Columbus Day
For this parade, the Ministry of Defense has implemented changes to minimize incidents. Fences have been placed 200 meters from the authorities’ tribune, thus distancing the public and eliminating the stands that used to be close to the Neptune Square.
The measure, together with the change in location from the Paseo de la Castellana towards the new location, aims to reduce the pressure of booing, a constant in recent years. In fact, in 2022, Sánchez even modified the protocol for his arrival, coinciding with the arrival of the Kings of Spain to hide the whistles between the applause directed at the Royal Family.
He October 12, 2023 It was another attempt by the Government to contain the protests, moving the tribune to an area away from the public and eliminating the stands to make it difficult for citizens to get close. However, even with these modifications, the beeps and screams They managed to make themselves heard, demonstrating that physical distance does not necessarily reduce the dissatisfaction of a part of the citizenry.
In previous years, the strategy had been not to announce Sánchez for public address and avoid its entry prominently. In full pandemicthe parade took place in the Royal Palacewith limited access, but even in that context, attendees did not stop making their discontent felt.
Pedro Sánchez: highlighted in the military parade of October 12
Throughout the last parades, Sánchez has been the target of criticismnot only by the opposition, but also by the public, who associates their political pacts with the catalan nationalism and EH Bildu, as well as for their position on the reduction of sentences for some ETA prisoners.
This year, recent government pacts, such as additional funding for Catalonia, have fueled tensions and could amplify conflicts. protests. The atmosphere, already heated, has been influenced by voices from the opposition that have criticized the agreement with ERC and other pacts that they consider a “betrayal” of the country.
The parade of Columbus day It is a military celebration in honor of the unity and values of Spain, with more than 4,000 soldiers and 86 aircraft participating in the event. However, in the tribune of authoritiesthe focus will be on how the president handles the situation.
At his side will be the Kings, the main authorities of the country, and, for the first time in three years, the Princess Eleanorwho returns to this act after his stay in Wales.
The changes made to the route and security They add to the long list of measures that the Government has implemented to mitigate criticism during the act. At the beginning of the parade, at 11:00 a.m., the Kings will be received with honors, followed by the traditional jump of the Air Force Acrobatic Patrol.
This year, the corporal María del Carmen Gómez Hurtado will be in charge of carrying the flag, while a tribute to the fallen is displayed, followed by the spectacle of the Eagle Patrol and the land units of the Armies and the Civil Guard.
Can the whistles and boos for Sánchez on 12-O be avoided?
However, one question remains in the air: will these measures be enough to avoid booing? With a divided audience and an event with such deep-rooted symbolism, the day promises to be a challenge for Sánchez and a thermometer of his current popularity.
With the authorities’ tribune surrounded by physical barriers, it remains to be seen if the distance will manage to appease critical voices or if, on the contrary, it will be an extra motivation to make them sound even louder.
Parade route and schedules on Columbus Day
This year’s parade route begins in front of the Botanical garden and continue towards the Columbus Square. The broadcast can be seen on TVE and other media from 11:00 a.m.
This change of route and the strict separation between the public and the stands reflect the Government’s desire to keep the event orderly, in an effort to preserve the solemn character of this national celebration.