As protests spread through Spain like wildfire, I went to check out the scene first-hand in Barcelona's Plaza Catalunya (picture taken from my camera phone). With the unemployment rate the highest in the eurozone at 21% and a staggering 42% for people betwen the ages of 18-25, the ruling Socialist Party under Zapatero will likely take a beating once results are tallied from today's election.
What was shocking though is that in spite of those numbers, the protestors were singing, dancing, and in high spirits. Bob Marley playing over the PA system as beachballs danced overhead. It's a testament to the people who call this city home. After seeing the violent protests unfold in Greece given the austerity measures, I have to wonder how long the people of Spain will choose microphones over pitchforks.
With recent articles detailing the Spanish government's sweeping more debt under the rug in its calculations, things will only get worse. With the domino teetering back and forth, it'll be interesting to see how and when it falls. What are your thoughts?
Witnessing this first hand as well. It's quite incredible. Although I'm not in a city like Barca it is interesting to see the reaction. Many people I have heard today filled out their ballots by voting "blanco" blank. As of now the protests are peaceful, tranquil, and filled with simple messages on signs. I have heard that many people will plan to camp out in front of government buildings this upcoming week. No one wants to vote left because "Zapatero did this" and no one wants to vote right because "That was Franco's party".
I've been hearing the same things. I only understood half of this chant today but it ended with "la misma mierda es." I'm assuming the first part was a reference to both political parties. It's crazy how they've transformed the city center. Some of the statues were dressed in Guy Fawkes masks and this one women planted a tomato garden right near the main fountain.
Roughly translated I have read signs that say "Politicians you have passed the time to give back to the people what is rightfully our. A voice." Another one, "Why is money free, but people are not." Lastly, "Stop. Capitalismo."
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