Thousands have taken to the streets this week in Spain to protest against corruption, precariousness, unemployment, and a political structure that favors a two-party system. “We’re not merchandise in the hands of bankers and politicians,” was the motto of tens of thousands who demonstrated all over the country on May 15, a few days before the upcoming regional elections.
It did not stop there. The demonstrations were followed by a peaceful sit-in on May 16, with hundreds camping at Madrid’s main square, la “Puerta del Sol.” The movement, mainly coordinated by the youth organization Democracia Real Ya [es], has been extremely active online.
The huge gap between politicians and the rest of citizens is really alarming news. 15M is not the only symptom that proves this democracy is not a healthy one and will not survive if injustice, corruption and impunity prevail. The fact that politicians are considered as one of the country’s main problems (according to CIS, the Spanish Center for Sociological Research) is something parties should not ignore if they don’t want to be run over by society.
Thousands of citizens were surprised to see so many people demonstrating to demand jobs, yes, but also demanding more democratic participation adapted to the possibilities technology offers nowadays, fair international relations based on human beings instead of big corporations, the elimination of justice and poverty in the world… “We’re sick of being sick,” “Politicians lie, bankers rob us, the rich laugh,” “We’re mad and outraged”…
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