THOUSANDS of supporters and members of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party rallied outside its national headquarters in Madrid yesterday to show their support for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and urge him not to step down.

Mr Sanchez stunned Spain on Wednesday when he announced he was cancelling his itinerary while considering whether or not to resign after what he described as a “smear campaign” against his wife. 

He said he would reveal his future plans on Monday.

Mr Sanchez’s announcement came hours after a Spanish judge opened a preliminary investigation into allegations of corruption made against Mr Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez. 

The Spanish leader said the allegations were spurious and formed the worst attack in what he described as an orchestrated campaign to discredit him by targeting his family. 

Mr Sanchez’s supporters shouted “You are not alone!” and waved party flags. Socialist leaders and the leaders of other left-wing parties have urged Mr Sanchez not to resign. 

The right-wing opposition Popular Party, however, said Mr Sanchez’s behaviour was a desperate attempt to draw attention away from his wife and to win support in upcoming regional and European elections.

The Madrid regional prosecutor’s office have recommended throwing out the allegations.