MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday reiterated his “deep admiration” for pro-Palestinian protesters who forced the final stage of the Vuelta cycling race to be abandoned over the weekend.
He also said Israel should be barred from international sporting competitions “as long as the barbarism continues” in Gaza, like Russian sport teams were penalized after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Despite sharp criticism from the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP), Sanchez has maintained his stance, as he sought to position himself as a leading European supporter of the Palestinian cause.
“Our position is clear and categorical: as long as barbarity continues, neither Russia nor Israel should participate in any international competition,” the Socialist premier said.
Around 100,000 protesters were present for the final stage of the race on Sunday which was due to finish with several loops in Madrid, but was cut short around 60 kilometers before the finish in the Spanish capital.
