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Thousands rally in Spain against cost of Pope visit
Source: Agencies |
August 18, 2011, Thursday
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Online Edition
Online Edition
THOUSANDS of protesters marched in Madrid yesterday against the cost of the Pope's visit to Spain this week at a time of growing public anxiety and economic hardship in the country.
Protesters of all ages walked in the old city centre under the slogan 'Nothing for the Pope from my taxes', as hundreds of thousands of young people gather in the capital of the mainly Catholic country to celebrate World Youth Day this weekend.
"It is costing a lot of money for the Spanish state which is going through a bad period," said 55-year-old Rosa Vazquez.
Pope Benedict will arrive in Madrid today for a four-day visit culminating in a mass on Sunday in the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome which over 2 million people are expected to attend.
The cost of the papal visit has triggered heavy criticism at a time of economic hardship in Spain from disaffected youths, as well as gay and lesbian and transgender groups, atheists and even some priests.
The crowds walked peacefully through the center shouting chants against the visit and waving banners reading 'The Pope travels, the Pope pays'.
Critics have put the cost of the visit at around 100 million euros but the government has declined to give a figure.
Protesters of all ages walked in the old city centre under the slogan 'Nothing for the Pope from my taxes', as hundreds of thousands of young people gather in the capital of the mainly Catholic country to celebrate World Youth Day this weekend.
"It is costing a lot of money for the Spanish state which is going through a bad period," said 55-year-old Rosa Vazquez.
Pope Benedict will arrive in Madrid today for a four-day visit culminating in a mass on Sunday in the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome which over 2 million people are expected to attend.
The cost of the papal visit has triggered heavy criticism at a time of economic hardship in Spain from disaffected youths, as well as gay and lesbian and transgender groups, atheists and even some priests.
The crowds walked peacefully through the center shouting chants against the visit and waving banners reading 'The Pope travels, the Pope pays'.
Critics have put the cost of the visit at around 100 million euros but the government has declined to give a figure.
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