Spain is protesting against the government. Between 6.5 and 8 million Spaniards have participated in these protests since May. Mostly they are protesting all of the cuts by the government in welfare, spending, and jobs; capitalism and banks; and also the fact that they feel they have no real representation from their political parties. About 25% of the population is unemployed, and 50% of young adults are, and it's not looking like anything will change any time soon.
The protest today meant that no one went to work. There was no public transportation, no stores were open, no restaurants, no nothing. 600 flights were cancelled and trains weren't running. The city, which is usually kept so clean, was trashed. Spaniards take great pride in their streets- they clean them everyday, but there was trash everywhere. Almost every bank and atm we saw had been vandalized.
Most of my professors were out protesting too! I had one class today, which wasn't so bad. At least I didn't have to get up at 8am. It was very important to all of my professors that we understand their part in the protests. My Civ and Culture professor knew she would be participating and told us a week ago we didn't have class. She said it's unfair that the government is taking jobs and money and leaving the people with nothing. My Business professor had class today. He said the school doesn't pay the teachers who didn't come to work, so it's just another business absorbing more money. He said he was going to donate the money he earned that day to the poor who needed food.
People have been out all day with signs and flags. The teachers came into our building and were yelling and blowing whistles so we couldn't hear our professor. Any shops that were still open had protestors outside being so aggressive and obnoxious that they ended up closing anyway. but around 5:30 they all gathered in front of the government building. There were thousands of people, everyone in town was out either participating or just watching. Roads were closed and people just took over the streets. It was peaceful here though, they just walked and shouted. In Madrid it's getting pretty intense. Police have been using force to stop riots. I'm just not sure how far this will go!
I'll just post the pictures.
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| Thousands of people came out to participate or walk. |
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| One of the ATMs we saw. Almost all of the ATMs we saw were vandalized. Most of the banks had some vandalism too. |
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| One of the entrances to the University. It had signs all over it. |
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| This was actually pretty cool- this is the fountain that is in the center of town. They filled it with soap so there were suds everywhere! The plaza was just covered. |
Don't worry, it's very safe. My program is keeping a close eye on things so if anything happens, they'll take care of us. Conchi is also very concerned on our behalf so we can't leave the house tonight. Don't worry mom :) I'm well taken care of!
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