Hello everyone, and thanks for coming to read my second installment. I am preparing my announced explanation about the insights of the unemployment in Spain as promised, but the events happening in Spain since May 15th and developing until right now as i'm writing deserves to put away that article for some hours and make a quick recap to satisfy the questions several readers and friends outside Spain are asking.
The Five W's
Madrid has been literally invaded. |
- Who is it about?
A huge amalgam of groups and civil associations, the bigger ones "Democracia Real Ya" (Real Democracy Now) "No les Votes" (Don't Vote Them) moving TENS OF THOUSANDS of people from every politic side, and ranging from 16 to 70 years old. More youngsters, of course, but in the late twenties and young families. Some traditional "alternative" dress codes but TONS of high university degrees between the groups. Smart people, and using social networks like crazy. they refuse to be from any political party, and specifically ask for removal of any sign related to parties, nationalisms, religions, or the old Kingdom vs. Republic discussion.
- What happened?
Is not a map of nice tourism cities, but centers of the marches. |
- Where did it take place? and When did it take place?
- Why did it happen?
to threats à là Icelandic : To haunt and trial the bankers and politicians responsible for the biggest scandals in the recent years, ranging from the sale of millions of ounces of gold to appeals to a fundamental switch in the way of thinking: "Apaga la TV, ponte a pensar" (Turn off TV, start to Think).
- How did it happen?
No flags, no funny party colors. Just people tired and angry. |
The Stakes Have Been Laid Down
From the complete blackout that the biggest march on 15th was given by all newspapers, TV and in general, official media, to the several debate programs that today are running in every TV channel, this four days have seen a true meaning for everyone. This is not a kid's game, the Powers That Be are using everything on it: From only showing the typical dawn quarrels between 5 "professional rioters" and the police, in order to make a 20,000 people march appears like an anti-system battle, to mutual accusations from the biggest parties of being the source of the movement to, of course, mine and disgrace "the other". The significant other, i must say.
The first part is done. People is awake now. the second part is going to be harshest: If the upcoming elections see a raise in the number of voters, but a decline in the two biggest political parties (Out own republican and democrat parties) , the social movement will go further, and probably some key changes will start to evolve. But if less people vote, or in uncertainity the fear moves people to the biggest parties, as strong as the tide arrived, it will go back to the traditional and sadly famous spanish lack of interest on anything beyond food, R&R and soccer.
Thats it for now, thanks a lot to the people that is encouraging me to follow this series of writings, im really excited to debate and study different point of views. As always, feel free to contact me at paugarciawall@gmail.com.
Don't get too busy,
Pau Garcia
Next Week Topic (if we don't burn the Senate this weekend):
20% unemployment in Spain: Is it really a 30%? Or it's a 10%?