Mamdani Welcomes Spanish PM Amid Scandals
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who faces accusations of antisemitism and is embroiled in corruption investigations.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani welcomed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Gracie Mansion on Wednesday, overlooking allegations of "overt antisemitism" and ongoing corruption scandals that have ensnared the Spanish leader's administration.
Sanchez attended a breakfast event alongside Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and European Council President Antonio Costa. Mamdani praised Sanchez for his liberal policies, including an increase in Spain's minimum wage.
"I’m so proud to welcome Prime Minister Sanchez and Prime Minister Mottley, two leaders who are champions of working people, two leaders who have restored faith in democracy across the world," Mamdani stated.
Sanchez, the leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party, has served as prime minister since 2018. However, the report indicates that nearly 60% of Spaniards disapprove of his leadership. Recent criticisms have focused on his administration's handling of a migrant influx and multiple corruption investigations.
Sanchez's wife, Begoña Gomez, is scheduled to stand trial on charges of influence peddling and misappropriation of public funds. His brother, David Sanchez, was recently barred from public office for nine years due to a court finding of malfeasance in his role as a public music school coordinator.
Furthermore, Sanchez has faced backlash for banning Spanish ambassadors to Israel, an action described by Israel's Foreign Ministry as "overt antisemitism." The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported a 14.5% increase in antisemitic incidents in Spain in 2025. The Anti-Defamation League previously found that 26% of Spanish citizens held antisemitic attitudes, the highest percentage in Western Europe.
The meeting occurred during the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also expected to attend and address the assembly.
Mamdani has previously called for protests against Netanyahu, referring to him as a "war criminal" for the ongoing conflict in Gaza and stating that Netanyahu should be arrested, though acknowledging local officials lack the authority to do so.
A spokesperson for Mamdani did not immediately respond to a request for comment.