Jul 19, 2012
Anger over austerity measures spilled into the streets across Spain on Thursday after parliament passed an $80 billion austerity package. Tens of thousands of protesters across 80 cities demonstrated against the imminent cuts, which include pay cuts for civil workers, an increase in sales tax, benefits cuts and a raise in retirement age.
The austerity measures were announced last week by prime minister Mariano Rajoy. Since the announcement, protests have broken out on an almost daily basis. Thursday's demonstrations, however, were the largest--swelling after Rajoy officially passed the measures through parliament with the aid of his center-right Popular Party.
Meanwhile, Germany's parliament approved a Spanish 'rescue package' worth up to $122 billion for Spain's banks.
During the protests, a blockade of civil servants closed off several main roads in Madrid, while protesters chanted, "Hands up, this is a robbery!"
Outside of the People's Party headquarters, protesters blew whistles and chanted "We've had it up to here."
"We are two and a half million votes. I hope they are thinking about that," said Jose Luis Martinez, 52, who works at the interior ministry.
Eurozone leaders are expected to finalize the German led bank bailout by Friday afternoon.
Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
Anger over austerity measures spilled into the streets across Spain on Thursday after parliament passed an $80 billion austerity package. Tens of thousands of protesters across 80 cities demonstrated against the imminent cuts, which include pay cuts for civil workers, an increase in sales tax, benefits cuts and a raise in retirement age.
The austerity measures were announced last week by prime minister Mariano Rajoy. Since the announcement, protests have broken out on an almost daily basis. Thursday's demonstrations, however, were the largest--swelling after Rajoy officially passed the measures through parliament with the aid of his center-right Popular Party.
Meanwhile, Germany's parliament approved a Spanish 'rescue package' worth up to $122 billion for Spain's banks.
During the protests, a blockade of civil servants closed off several main roads in Madrid, while protesters chanted, "Hands up, this is a robbery!"
Outside of the People's Party headquarters, protesters blew whistles and chanted "We've had it up to here."
"We are two and a half million votes. I hope they are thinking about that," said Jose Luis Martinez, 52, who works at the interior ministry.
Eurozone leaders are expected to finalize the German led bank bailout by Friday afternoon.
Anger over austerity measures spilled into the streets across Spain on Thursday after parliament passed an $80 billion austerity package. Tens of thousands of protesters across 80 cities demonstrated against the imminent cuts, which include pay cuts for civil workers, an increase in sales tax, benefits cuts and a raise in retirement age.
The austerity measures were announced last week by prime minister Mariano Rajoy. Since the announcement, protests have broken out on an almost daily basis. Thursday's demonstrations, however, were the largest--swelling after Rajoy officially passed the measures through parliament with the aid of his center-right Popular Party.
Meanwhile, Germany's parliament approved a Spanish 'rescue package' worth up to $122 billion for Spain's banks.
During the protests, a blockade of civil servants closed off several main roads in Madrid, while protesters chanted, "Hands up, this is a robbery!"
Outside of the People's Party headquarters, protesters blew whistles and chanted "We've had it up to here."
"We are two and a half million votes. I hope they are thinking about that," said Jose Luis Martinez, 52, who works at the interior ministry.
Eurozone leaders are expected to finalize the German led bank bailout by Friday afternoon.
We've had enough. The 1% own and operate the corporate media. They are doing everything they can to defend the status quo, squash dissent and protect the wealthy and the powerful. The Common Dreams media model is different. We cover the news that matters to the 99%. Our mission? To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. How? Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Free to read. Free to republish. Free to share. With no advertising. No paywalls. No selling of your data. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing. Can you chip in? We can't do it without you. Thank you.