'15-M movement'

An Aussie Girl in Madrid by Kate N. - Post # 2.

Through conversations with Irene, one of the monitors at the first Summer Camp, and with Almudena and her husband Julian, I am learning more and more about the history and current events happening in Spain.  I have heard stories about the corruption and the economical problems presents within the Governments and how it has greatly affected the employment rate throughout Spain.  Touching on more recent news within Spain, while the Spanish are suffering one of the highest unemployment rate in Europe of 24%, the country's royal family has been enjoying exotic hunting trips, one of which resulted in King Juan Carlos ending up in hospital.  The King's hunting trip has caused uproar and disappointment within the Spanish people because of the in-human and financial benefits.  An official apology was released to the public by the King Juan Carlos himself.

I have met a lot of people touched on Spanish Protests that began on the 15th of May ('15- M movement') last year.  Those new friends (most of them students) were  part of the demonstrations, whereby a series of protests demanded a radical change in Spanish poltitics.  The corruption within the Government was the main reason the protests occurred in attempts to change the current crisis.  The protesters talked of themselves, and other Spaniards, suffering from high unemployment and welfare cuts; the current two-party system between the ´Spanish Socialist Workers Party and the People´s Party; capitalism; banks and bankers; and firmly called for support of what they call basic rights: to have a home, culture, adequate healthcare and education. 

When I spent some time in Madrid last summer I was present for some demonstrations.  I had followed the protesters around the streets of Madrid and watched them try and enter Puerta del Sol where the police had barricaded off the entire Square.  Uproar was heard as Protesters  managed to get themselves inside the Square.  I captured an excellent image with the Police all lined up in the Puerta del Sol with the Protesters lined up parallel outside.   I have a strong interest in the history and current status of Spain and these experiences have inspired me to research more about key events and people significant to Spain.  I had the opportunity to briefly study Spanish history for a previous job I was going to peruse which has given me knowledge and a starting point for my writing.

To finish, I have to say: Spain is an incredible country having incredible problems, and is the people who are suffering them.