Tens of thousands took to the streets of central Madrid in Spain in support of a rally organised by the leftist party Podemos.
The “March for Change” is one of the party’s first outdoor mass rallies, as it looks to build on the recent victory of Syriza anti-austerity party in Greece.
RT report: Podemos, which means “We can,” is currently leading in opinion polls, ahead of both of Spain’s mainstream parties as the regional, municipal and national elections approach.
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The party was formed only a year ago, but shocked the political establishment when members won five seats in the European Parliament.
Many in the crowd waved Greek and Republican flags and banners which read “the change is now, as demonstrators chanted “yes we can” and “tic tac, tic tac,” Reuters reports.
Podemos leader, Pablo Iglesias told the cheering crowd that democracy will prevail.
“We’re sending a message to Europe to Spain. Today is a day for change. It’s a battle between democracy and austerity, and democracy will win. We’re not here to protest. We’re here for change,” he said.
“People are fed up with the political class,” Antonia Fernandez, a 69-year-old pensioner who came to the rally with her family told Reuters.
Other protesters echoed discontent with the two mainstream parties.
“This our future. This is what we want. I can’t stand the ruling People’s Party or the Socialists. I want them to go,” a protestor told RT.
Niamh Harris
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