Not only France and Italy: Spain joins the wave of protests in Europe

Tens of thousands protested in Madrid against pension erosion, the high cost of living, and the housing crisis, about five weeks before the elections in Spain. The protest joins a wave of demonstrations in France and Italy and increases pressure on the government.

Tens of thousands took to the streets of Madrid to protest against pension erosion, the high cost of living, and the housing crisis, about five weeks before the elections in Spain. The protest joins a wave of demonstrations in France and Italy and increases pressure on the government. The marchers demanded that pensions be linked to the cost of living, that the minimum pension be equalized with the minimum wage, and that the gap between women and men be reduced. The protest organizers opposed privatization and demanded the cancellation of reductions in benefits for workers who were forced to retire early. Behind the protest is a connection between the pensioners' struggle and the housing crisis. Tenant organizations warned that the price increases are devouring the incomes of millions of people. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez admitted when announcing the elections that his government had made mistakes, but argued that he needs a broader parliamentary majority to address social injustice. The pension debate also flared up following statements from the right. According to the organizers, the number of participants in the annual march doubled compared to last year.