Pedro Sanchez

Organizers said 80,000 people took part in the protest. The Spanish government representative in Madrid put the number at about 40,000.

As Abbas tightens control, Western governments are applauding a Palestinian political system that has denied elections for 20 years.

Sánchez sharply criticized the European Broadcasting Union over its decision to allow Israel to participate in the competition. He accused Israel of genocide and said Spain was taking a stand.

Albanese is a harsh critic of Israel and is campaigning in the European Union against the imposition of American sanctions on her and senior officials at the International Criminal Court.

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS: Pedro Sanchez is continuously accused of corruption. His wife is facing charges of corruption and influence peddling, his appearances are often met with calls to resign.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez responded to the reports, saying that "we [Spain] do not work off of emails, we work from official documents and positions."

"A Government that violates international law and, therefore, the principles and values of the EU cannot be our partner," Sanchez wrote

Europe's far right lost one of its biggest champions with the defeat of Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban in Sunday's election.

“Together with my committed team, I have reopened today the Spanish Embassy in Tehran in order to join in efforts for peace from every possible quarter,” the Spanish Ambassador to Iran said.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar noted that the move was carried out in coordination with the United States.