Thousands protest against Euro Pact in Spain

[News_Editor]

Thousands protest against Euro Pact in Spain

2011-06-19 22:52:51 GMT+7 (ICT)

MADRID (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands of people on Sunday took to the streets of Madrid to march against the "Euro Pact" and the Spanish government's austerity measures, the El País newspaper reported.

A total of six marches convened at Neptune plaza in the city center after the Spanish protest movement know as 15-M called for countrywide demonstrations to protest against the Pact for the Euro, which emerged from a meeting of the European Council on March 12. Leaders of the 17 eurozone countries adopted a series of measures to enhance competitiveness and address the debt crisis, including flexible labor agreements and the reduction of social benefits.

According to the government, more than 500 riot police were deployed to prevent any clashes while two helicopters monitored the protests.

Almost 98 events were also scheduled in other locations around the country. Organizers reiterated that the 15-M movement rejects all forms of violence after dozens were injured in a protest in Barcelona earlier this week.

The 15-M movement blames bankers and politicians for pay cuts, precarious working conditions, privatization and looting of public services, the cut of essential social services, and above all, "the five million unemployed" and the "million and a half of families without any income."

On June 11, Spanish police forcefully dispersed protesters rallying near the Madrid city hall as Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón took office. That demonstration was also organized by the 15-M protest movement.

At least six people received minor injuries after riot police tried to evict them. Protesters also gathered in other cities around the country as politicians began new terms after the municipal elections on May 22.

On June 9, at least 18 people were injured when police clashed with protesters in Valencia near the regional parliament building as new legislators, many of whom are facing corruption charges, were due to take office.

The 15-M protest movement was launched last May before the elections to demand a reform of Spain's democratic system. Last month, at least 100 people were injured after police tried to disperse protesters in Barcelona to end two weeks of demonstrations against high unemployment and the Spanish government's austerity measures.

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