Mass protests across Spain

Madrid 23rd Feb

A report and a number of protesters’ own photos from across Spain: Saturday 23 February

Today hundreds of thousands of people protested across Spain against their government’s austerity measures. They were opposing the harsh cuts they are facing but also the financial corruption of the political elite. Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and many other towns and cities saw huge protests which have been called the ‘Marea Cuidadana’ – the Tide of Citizens. Unemployment in Spain is now more than 26% overall and rises to more than 55% for young people. They see no future for themselves under the current system.

Firefighters – the new protectors

Barcelona

The country’s political ruling class has been rocked by recent revelations that politicians have been receiving secret cash payments from big business. This contrasts sharply with the enormous difficulties faced by ordinary Spanish citizens – not least when it comes to the question of housing. Many without incomes find themselves unable to pay mortgages, often on homes that are no longer worth the prices paid for them. While hundreds of houses stand empty, many face eviction, although recently locksmiths in many Spanish cities have refused to help in the evictions.

Today’s demonstrations were stewarded by fire fighters who themselves face cuts and have taken on the role of protecting the demonstrators from the Spanish riot police. Protesters speak of many reasons to demonstrate against the government, including cuts to the education, health, justice and social budgets, and against what have been described as horrific levels of

inequality.