8M Protest in Madrid: Feminism amid Scandals and Contradictions

The March 8th Demonstration in Madrid Was Marked by the Contradiction of Politicians Accused of Abuse Marching for Equality.

Thousands of people attended the protest, although attendance was reduced by the rain and  discontent with official feminism.

The event was tinged by recent sexual scandals affecting figures from PSOE, Sumar, and Podemos, casting doubt on their commitment.

One of the most controversial names is Íñigo Errejón, former spokesperson for Sumar, who was accused of assaulting a woman in the middle of the street.

Another case is that of Juan Carlos Monedero, founder of Podemos, who has been accused of harassment and abuse of power against several women.

José Luis Ábalos, former Minister of Transport for PSOE,  is also in the spotlight for his relationship with a prostitute.

Ábalos allegedly chose his partner from an escort catalog and paid for an apartment with public money in the Torre de Madrid.

It is striking that the demonstration ended in Plaza de España, near where his lover lived, now key in the judicial investigation.

The March 8th organized by the 8M Commission was presented as "trans-inclusive" and had the slogan "Anti-Racist Feminists, to the Streets!".

The demonstration started at the Atocha roundabout and moved through the center of Madrid to Plaza de España, where the manifesto was read.

The document called for an end to gender-based violence but avoided mentioning the cases of abuse within Sánchez's government.

For many, this demonstrates the hypocrisy of a feminism that only denounces when it suits them and remains silent in the face of their own scandals.

Weather conditions affected attendance and forced the cancellation of marches in other cities like Ávila, Málaga, and Huelva.

Despite the rain, the government wanted to make an impact with a strong presence of ministers like Ana Redondo and Irene Montero.

However, Montero's image was tarnished after her support for the "only yes means yes" law, which benefited hundreds of sexual offenders.

Criticism of official feminism also comes from classic feminist sectors, accusing March 8th of betraying its principles.

Many women believe that the movement has been essentialized by the left, losing credibility in its claims.