Spanish protesters condemn 'Euro Pact'
Source: Agencies |
June 20, 2011, Monday
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TENS of thousands of Spaniards abandoned their customary quiet day with families and friends yesterday to march against the so-called "Euro Pact" and the handling of the economic crisis.
In Madrid, marches began at six locations around the city, one at 6am local time from Leganes, 13 kilometers from the center, before convening at the Neptune plaza in front of the Prado art museum, a stone's throw from parliament.
At noon, police put estimates in Madrid at between 35,000 and 45,000 protestors, with no reports of violence, according to national radio.
"I'm here because this is a con," said Juanjo Montiel, 26, one of four blind protestors in Madrid, who works in the information technology industry for around 1,000 euros a month.
"I'm lucky enough to have a job, but many don't and have no chance. And on top of that, the politicians want to make more cuts. This is not our fault, it's the system."
Yesterday's protests largely concentrated on the "Euro Pact," agreed by euro zone politicians to stimulate competitiveness across the bloc, which in Spain has prompted reforms to give companies greater power to hire and fire.
"The politicians have to come here and see this," said Paloma Cirujano, 30, a nurse in Madrid, marching with her three-month baby in her arms. "This (movement) has to come to something. It won't just end here."
The protestors call themselves the "indignados," meaning the "indignant." Demonstrations first began before the May 22 regional elections in response to the perceived failure of politicians to represent the electorate.
In Madrid, marches began at six locations around the city, one at 6am local time from Leganes, 13 kilometers from the center, before convening at the Neptune plaza in front of the Prado art museum, a stone's throw from parliament.
At noon, police put estimates in Madrid at between 35,000 and 45,000 protestors, with no reports of violence, according to national radio.
"I'm here because this is a con," said Juanjo Montiel, 26, one of four blind protestors in Madrid, who works in the information technology industry for around 1,000 euros a month.
"I'm lucky enough to have a job, but many don't and have no chance. And on top of that, the politicians want to make more cuts. This is not our fault, it's the system."
Yesterday's protests largely concentrated on the "Euro Pact," agreed by euro zone politicians to stimulate competitiveness across the bloc, which in Spain has prompted reforms to give companies greater power to hire and fire.
"The politicians have to come here and see this," said Paloma Cirujano, 30, a nurse in Madrid, marching with her three-month baby in her arms. "This (movement) has to come to something. It won't just end here."
The protestors call themselves the "indignados," meaning the "indignant." Demonstrations first began before the May 22 regional elections in response to the perceived failure of politicians to represent the electorate.
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