Thousands of Spaniards in Madrid streets, demanding Sánchez's resignation and early elections

(Patria) - Thousands of people took to the streets in Madrid today, calling on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to resign following a series of corruption scandals linked to his government.

During the protests, police arrested several masked individuals after a group of demonstrators attempted to break through barriers around Sánchez's residence.

Around 40,000 people participated in the protests, demanding early general elections, Reuters reports.

Demonstrators carried Spanish flags and banners with slogans such as "Expose the socialist mafia," according to the daily newspaper El Pais.

Leaders of the opposition People's Party and the far-right Vox party also participated in the mostly peaceful march.

The protest was led by leaders of Spanish civil society, such as Marcos de Quinto, and politicians, including Members of the European Parliament from the Vox group.

A Spanish court announced on Tuesday that former Spanish socialist prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation for allegedly leading a network for influence peddling and money laundering.

Zapatero, an ally of the current prime minister, has denied any illegal activity.