Spanish PM Proud of Pro-Palestinian Vuelta Protests Amid Security Surge

The 2025 Vuelta a España cycling race has been overshadowed by pro-Palestinian protests targeting the Israel-Premier Tech team, disrupting several stages and raising safety concerns. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed pride in the protests, praising Spain's mobilization for the Palestinian cause and framing it as a defense of human rights, while acknowledging respect for the athletes. The demonstrations have led to shortened stages, crashes, and heightened security measures, including the deployment of up to 1,500 police officers for the race's final stages in Madrid. Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo criticized the government's perceived encouragement of the protests, calling for condemnation and prevention of such disruptions. The protests also sparked diplomatic tensions between Spain and Israel, with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares summoning Israel's top diplomat following accusations from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office against Sanchez. Meanwhile, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team has removed "Israel" from their jerseys for safety, continuing to participate despite the unrest.