Briefing
Irene Montero, lead candidate for Podemos, on 8 November 2026 in Madrid levelled a serious accusation against the government: it spoke of a “pre-planned” rise in violence by police forces at protests and called for further mobilisation. Montero made the remarks in connection with the 22nd Congress of the Sindicato de Estudiantes and several recent operations in cities such as Madrid, Seville and Granada. Montero named students, teachers and trade unionists as groups particularly affected. She also criticised what she described as the failure to take equally tough action against certain far-right provocateurs, notably Vito Quiles.
Independent reports and coverage by national media have documented several points of tension in recent weeks: large rallies and appearances by activist Vito Quiles led to incidents and police operations in several cities, while evictions or demonstrations around the Puerta del Sol prompted some forceful interventions. Authorities and police forces regularly justify operations on the grounds of preventing danger, protecting public order and enforcing conditions. However, no published official decrees, internal orders or independent investigation reports have so far emerged to substantiate a centrally directed “pre-planned” escalation strategy by the government.
Politically, the framing is clear: Montero is using the accusations in the context of the current election and campaign to mobilise support and highlight differences with the PSOE . A robust assessment would require precise operational statistics, police regulations, complaints and investigation files, or independent audit reports. If those affected lodge formal complaints or parliaments adopt transparency motions, judicial or parliamentary investigations could provide clarity.
The statements summarised here should be understood as political allegations made by Irene Montero. A definitive assessment of their veracity requires further official or independent evidence.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).