Pedro Sanchez was greeted with loud boos and insults as he arrived at Spain’s National Day military parade in Madrid on Monday.
Crowds gathered along the Paseo del Prado shouted ‘traitor’ and other insults, with some protesters using megaphones to make themselves heard.
Chants of ‘Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta must be defended’ were also heard, reflecting tensions surrounding the Spanish enclave on the Moroccan coast.
The protests erupted as Sanchez appeared on television screens shortly before the ceremony began at 11am.
However, extensive security arrangements kept spectators around 100 metres from the royal and government stands, significantly reducing the noise reaching the dignitaries.
Sanchez arrived alongside Defence Minister Margarita Robles, Madrid regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso and the capital’s mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida.
King Felipe VI arrived around five minutes later, accompanied by Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía.
The ceremony took place against a backdrop of heightened political tensions ahead of Spain’s general election on November 29.
Thousands of troops and fighter jets
Despite the hostile reception for the Prime Minister, the military spectacle went ahead with around 4,400 personnel, 144 vehicles, 39 motorcycles and 76 aircraft taking part.
For the first time, four Eurofighter jets were used to create the colours of the Spanish flag in the sky, although a technical failure prevented one aircraft from releasing its yellow smoke.
The parade also featured new NH90 helicopters, Leopard 2E tanks and Dragon armoured combat vehicles, making their debut at the Madrid event.
Two military parachutists descended carrying the Spanish flag, while the Spanish Legion marched with its traditional goat mascot, Babieca.
Among the notable absentees were Andalucia’s regional president Juanma Moreno and Vox leader Santiago Abascal, who instead travelled to Ceuta for National Day events.
The parade concluded after the traditional tribute to the Spanish flag and those who have died in service to the country.
