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Anti-austerity protests in Spain

15-M Movement
(anti-austerity movement in Spain)
Part of the 2008–14 Spanish financial crisis, the European sovereign debt crisis and the impact of the Arab Spring
Puertadelsol2011.jpg
The Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, shown here on 20 May 2011, became a focal point and a symbol during the protests.
Date 15 May 2011 (2011-05-15) – present
Location Spain
Caused by Unemployment, economic conditions, welfare cuts, political corruption, particracy, unrepresentative bipartidism, democratic deficit
Goals Direct democracy, reduce influence of economic powers in politics,
Methods Demonstrations, civil disobedience, civil resistance, rioting, sit-ins, online activism, protest camps occupations
Status Ongoing
Number
6–8.5 million participants throughout Spain
Injuries and arrests
Injuries 1,527+ injuries
External media
Images
P. Catalunya clash gallery
Video
P. Catalunya clash (video 1) on YouTube
P. Catalunya clash (video 2) on YouTube
P. Catalunya clash (video 3) on YouTube
P. Catalunya clash (video 4) on YouTube
External video
Paseo del Prado clash (video 1) on YouTube
Paseo del Prado clash (video 2) on YouTube
External video
Carga policial frente al Ministerio del Interior on YouTube

The anti-austerity movement in Spain, also referred to as the 15-M Movement (Spanish: Movimiento 15-M), the Indignados Movement, and Take the Square, had origins in social networks such as Real Democracy NOW (Spanish: Democracia Real YA) or Youth Without a Future (Spanish: Juventud Sin Futuro). and began with demonstrations on 15 May 2011 close to the local and regional elections, held on 22 May.

Spanish media related the movement to the economic crisis, Stéphane Hessel's Time for Outrage!, the NEET-troubled generation and current demonstrations in the Middle East and North Africa,Iran, Greece, and Portugal, as well as the 2009 Icelandic demonstrations. Demonstrators protested high unemployment rates, welfare cuts, Spanish politicians, and the two-party system in Spain, as well as the political system, capitalism, banks, and political corruption. Many called for basic rights, of home, work, culture, health and education.

According to RTVE, the Spanish public broadcasting company, between 6.5 and 8 million Spaniards participated in these events.


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Wikipedia

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