Far-right rally in Madrid draws thousands angry with govt

MADRID – A few thousand Spaniards have protested in Madrid against the Socialist-led government at a rally organize by marginal right-wing groups.

The protesters gathered in front of the Spanish parliament on Saturday, many holding either the current-day Spanish flag or its predecessor that stood for the dictatorship of Gen. Francisco Franco.

The crowd shouted slogans against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, calling him a “separatist” for his willingness to meet with the pro-independence leaders of the northeastern region of Catalonia.

No member of a mainstream political party attended the rally.

Sanchez took power early this year after then Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy lost a no-confidence vote following a corruption scandal in his conservative party. Catalan separatist parliament members contributed to Rajoy’s downfall in that vote.