Spain is in trouble and it seems like the average people are feeling it the most. After Ireland, Greece and Portugal many observers believe Spain is next to get bailed out by the EU and the International Monetary Fund. The country has an unemployment rate over 20% and that is probably the highest in the EU. Many of the people without a job are young people (40% youth unemployment). And those are people you don’t wanna mess with. In case you missed the Arab Spring, youngsters and unemployment don’t go together. Either you get a high crime rate or you get unwanted visitors at the government’s house.
A week before Spain’s regional and municipal elections the youth took their anger and frustration about the economic crisis and corruption of politicians to the streets. Spanish residents in Amsterdam and other EU cities took part in the peaceful demonstration to show solidarity with the people back home. The demonstrations in Spain and outside the country were organised through Twitter and Facebook. I got an email in my inbox and I responded: count me in. My heart is always with the people.
The SRM was amongst the Spanish protesters who gathered at Amsterdam Dam Square on Saturday the 21st of May to support the Spanish youth who wants real reform in their country. 90% of the speakers spoke in Spanish, I could not understand them but it did me more than good to see young people exercising their rights. The weeklong protests and the siege of capitals such as the Puerta del Sol square were not for nothing. The protesters dealt a big blow to the Spanish ruling Partido Popular party at the local elections on Sunday, May 22. Maybe now they will hear the people.
The Soul Rebel Movement salutes the Spanish youth and we support your fight for better economic conditions and a transparent government.
