From BBC today;

Tens of thousands of Spanish protesters are continuing to defy a government ban by camping out overnight in a square in the capital, Madrid.The protesters are angry with the government’s economic policies and have occupied the Puerta del Sol area of the city for the past week.

Here, readers in Spain describe the scene at the protests and their reaction to the demonstrations.

Carlos Gomez, Madrid

This is an historic moment. Thousands of people have been camping in Sol since last Sunday with no flags or affiliation to any party.

These protests are not only about unemployment. They are about the unfair political situation that exists in Spain” Young people, old people, families, it does not matter Everything is organised. There are tents to place your suggestions to the movement.

There are tents with food, where people are giving to the campers, tents with political debates, even one for childcare. We are not just asking for jobs. We are asking for a change in the political system. We have no option but to vote for the two biggest parties in Spain, who are more or less the same. They are unable to solve any problem, it is just a nest of corruption.

 We are tired. In short, we want a working democracy. We want a change.

Milena Almagro Garcia, Madrid

These protests are not only about unemployment.They are about the unfair political situation that exists in Spain. We protest against the political situation that allows more than 100 people who are accused of corruption across the country to stand in the next elections. Moreover, it is about the electoral law in Spain, which has a vote computing system that benefits the big political parties, leaving the small ones without any choice of achieving any success.

 Emilio Benitez, Madrid

Demonstrators have defied a ban to camp out overnight in capital

I think it is a shame that the socialist government of Jose Luis Rodri­guez Zapatero is allowing an illegal campsite right in the heart of Madrid. It breaks all the democratic rules in this country. Most of the protesters are obviously left-wing extremists and anarchists, who wish to destabilise the democracy that took so much effort and time to achieve.  Furthermore, there is not a single placard among the demonstrators demanding jobs

Below an insight into the “lost generation” of Spain and the lack of trust in Politicians. Spain has not acknowledged the mismanagement of the economy, and not dealt with the troubles facing the country. Recent austerity is producing this anger and disbelief in government, and what to do about the detoriating economy. After the “hidden debt” thetrader has written about, people seem even more angry of the corrupt system. Spain is after all a big Democracy, not willing to put up with Political mumbo jumbo. With huge unemployment, people simply want jobs and normality. This is the biggest task for Spain, irrespective of who is to lead the country. Below from El Pais by Google;

The protest takes to the streets to thousands of people and, above all, enthusiasm and interest to millions has the brightness of a powerful magnet magnetic: they, the campers can have their slogans, but each can add thousands of citizens reasons, because the collection of the citizen perceived insults by politicians is colossal. 15-M The phenomenon has not only left misplaced politicians, but journalists, pundits and sociologists who have failed to fit the surprise in the context of a changing society where the dynamism is possible, a society that feels appreciated them or in the heads of the institutions. Thus, care, are not anti-quite the contrary: we point out the failures of the system, take the colors to who should represent them, embarrass them because what they are seeing does not fit with the formation of democratic and rights-from-system have been sold. Young people have abandoned Zapatero, but have not found another reference. The April survey of CIS reflects that 87.3% of young people between 18 and 24 have little or no confidence in Zapatero, compared to 80.9% of average. Nearly seven points separate this generation disaffection of the population feels towards the Prime Minister. Rajoy has not improved: 84.8% of young people have little or no confidence in him, four points higher than the average which is 80.9%. Because if there is to find landmarks in the divorce between politicians and citizens, there are several very important in recent history and are on both sides. Some newspapers spoke up, they would not listen. By the Government. Zapatero’s gift of 2,500 who had a baby, rich or poor, planted a poisonous populism in the relationship with citizens in the celebration of the surplus did not generate much thought. The same thing happened with the 400 euros of gift income tax. It was the open bar at the 2008 election binge. They were not listening to the voices that warned of the folly and heed the Pied Pipers that we were going to lead a happier world. Deficit hell changed the perception of the mess and when the machine burst errors had only begun to work: denial of the crisis, money to rebuild the roundabouts and other experiences that have generated wealth and change the pattern of growth. The bubble burst without La Moncloa could offer more than vague promises of an optimism that never materialized in solutions. What you’re seeing does not fit with the formation of democracy and rights from the system, have been sold. The cuts stark and hopeless and made us put the focus on waste above led us to discover or otherwise see the hundreds of millions megaprojects that will require tens only for annual maintenance. All this made a mockery of a country that boasts of being a world power AVE projects and is at the bottom of the developed world in education. All this, plus the government’s failure to curb the excesses of banking and money getting circulated for job creators have strangled the expectations of many. And there is no speech that can reverse this perception of reality. By the opposition. The image of a corrupt Popular Party, Mariano Rajoy a unable to agree on common solutions and to propose their own, defending the rot in Valencia or xenophobic covers proposals Barcelona denies the legitimate expectation in a promising replacement. Camps images embraced by citizens in the role of judges acquittal and airports opening ghost Fabra, no planes, while trials for its causes are postponed to infinity is the absurdity of our democracy. Of this system. The door of moral regeneration, therefore, is closed from the menu provided. The same poll of CIS citizens question how to define ideologically. The response chosen by youth, with 18%, is liberal, compared with 13.9% opting for her overall average marks socialist options (14.3%) and conservative (13%). Liberalism. There are many definitions of it, but underlying all a dream of freedom. The phenomenon of 15-M may languish or charge force, and may result in few tangible results on Sunday. But this is not the thermometer to be measured. Is opening a healthy and hopeful thinking that we must sift and should continue beyond the 22-M.

This is the official page of the camps in the world. Approaching 600 places globally. Arab spring spreading worldwide from Spain.

http://www.thetechnoant.info/campmap/

Click the link to view “The silent Cry” from M 15 in Madrid. This is becoming rather big….

http://www.elpais.com/videos/espana/Grito/mudo/Sol/elpepuesp/20110521elpepunac_1/Ves/

The M 15 protests are becoming bigger and now spreading to other countries. Politicians are realizing this situation and people’s demands are for real. The protests are now affecting transportation other communication in cities held. From today’s El Pais translated by Google.

It is a day of reflection for regional and municipal elections. The first minute was silent in the street, but once that passed, tens of thousands of people who were demonstrating in the streets outraged launched a rallying cry, especially in the Puerta del Sol Neither the prohibition of the Central Electoral Board, or the Supreme Court’s refusal to lift the ban on protests and heavy police presence has demobilized Movement protesters 15-M. The retreat is underway and people are still on the street and no one knows how long or how far or how it will end. The 15-M is a movement that, for now, seems unstoppable. The Puerta del Sol de Madrid is the epicenter but the shock has generated a tsunami. The streets are filled with people angry that is defying any ban and any prediction. Tens of thousands of people (28,000 according to the police) have returned to fill the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, and thousands more have focused on other places of many Spanish cities within hours of the close of the campaign at midnight. In the Puerta del Sol, after the second world cry has begun a massive one sitting and Tas the clock chimes midnight, thousands of people have jumped shouting “we are all illegal” and “we are reflecting.” Meanwhile, the Supreme Court maintains ban on rallies and rejected the appeal by the United Left. When the news broke, the coalition announced he would file an appeal to the Constitutional before midnight, but registration is already closed and tomorrow is not business day. So here ends the legal route. The ban remains in place. And so far, all alone on all seats. The fuse that ignited strongly in Madrid has been expanding at the same rate that puzzles the politicians and forced to react to the government. In Valencia about 10,000 people, according to local police, gathered at the Town Hall Square, once the Government Commission authorize certain concentrations, against the advice of the Central Electoral Board. A member belonging to the group 15M placed a plaque with the name / (EFE Second silent cry in the Puerta del Sol accompanied by a massive sit and watch the midnight chimes of thousands of people now jump shouting “we are all illegal” and “we are reflecting.” In Valencia, about 10,000 people, according to local police, gathered at nine in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The central island of the square, about 4,000 square meters, just hollow offered the protesters during the afternoon not stopped coming to the event. “If it continues and will have to cut traffic,” said an agent. The Delegation of the Government in Valencia said he accepted the merger announced today and on Sunday, but with the caveat that it not be allowed to make electoral propaganda. In Andalusia, the indignation and places making runs even quicker. More than 13,000 people gathered in the streets of the Andalusian capitals. The demonstration in Malaga was more crowded this time this time. Involving some 7,000 people who gathered in the Plaza of the Constitution. In Seville, Plaza de la Encarnación recorded the highest occupancy in recent days, with about 4,000 people. And tonight is set to decide whether night meetings are held more rallies this weekend. At 23.55, seeing the cover of the digital edition of El País that the police would not leave, the crowd has erupted in applause. Continues to reach people with sleeping bags and mats, but the police seem to keep a straight face. Have called a new meeting. But the day darkened with 1,500 concentrated in Granada, 800 Almeria, another 600 in Cadiz, more than 200 hundred in Huelva and Jaén. The concentration in Barcelona for a time became a children’s party, but at night the place was packed Catalonia. More than 5,000 people joined nine in the evening to the pan, which filled the pedestrian located in the heart of the square. People at that time was coming from the surrounding streets, while being seen dozens of backpacks and sleeping bags to participants who came with the intention of spending the night in the open. During the afternoon, hundreds of children have joined the merger of the square, converted by the camping in a huge outdoor festival with children’s musical performances, theater and performances. After six in the afternoon, a man dressed in a brown coat, simulating a troglodyte, made him sing and dance to the kids with children’s songs. Parents as Miriam and Evelyn, 41 and 42 years, wanted to join with their children to the protest. Families, many with ice cream in hand, are the protagonists of the protest. No one intends to leave the Plaza Catalunya in Barcelona.La day of reflection begins with a massive applause and many young people keep coming up with mats and sleeping bags. Concentrations in Galicia growing day by day. About a thousand people participated in the assemblies of A Coruña and Santiago, twice on Thursday. Concentrates on the streets of Vigo Columbus added the thousand people. About 500 people (nine in the evening) are gathered at the entrance of Prince Street, the most commercial of the city. In Bilbao, over 3,000 angry citizens gathered in defense of a “real democracy.” Maintain their camp in front of the Arriaga Theatre during the weekend, but held no further meetings until Sunday at eight o’clock in the afternoon, after the polls closed. Ertzainta intervene if there is no violation of public order. Dozens of people have gathered also in San Sebastian and Vitoria. Some 3,000 people have voted Palma “passive resistance” to stay in the square. Increased inflow concentration. A hotelier has traveled the periphery of the average age reunión.Sube A spokesman claimed that “many people left to sleep.” In London, some 300 people rallied to the cry of “exiles also are outraged,” sung in London, three hundred young people gathered from seven in the evening, an hour in mainland Spain to the Spanish Embassy in London. Reigned humor, funny banners and especially the defense of concentrations. Some of the banners were a little spicy, “Do not rule us whores, that their children do not know.” Other bet for good humor: “No bread for both chorizo” and others chose to bilingualism: “Stop corruption.” Brussels said about 600 people, two hundred in Lisbon and a hundred in Athens and Milan. There were also protests, though less numerous, in Budapest, Tangiers, Paris, Berlin and Rome.

Great analysis and insight about the forces behind the M15 movement. Below from Lluis Bassets, El Pais. Translated to English by Google. Follow link below for the full Spanish version;

Nothing is more disturbing to political staffs a phenomenon out of control and agenda. There is no answer surveys or consultation with experts and focus groups. No advertising campaign that works. Not even know who can benefit or who can get their cut. All parties hail fear as they are the others who take advantage of it. The PP says it is organizing the PSOE, PSOE and ensures that it will contribute to the abstention as the victory of the PP.

We are all shocked and almost no longer know who they are outrageous. Is it the end one man, a banker or a president of government for example? Be careful, because if so, it would be something else: a scapegoat. This uncertainty points to a revolution without a subject. If you fit the unemployed and employers, mileuristas and professionals, the rebels of today and the rebels 40 years ago, then it is a movement that is not identified with a definable group, but with everyone. It is then a revolution without a revolutionary subject.
But it is a revolution, and emerged as a Spanish adjective a mimicry perfectly explicable. If young Arabs are raised, why can not lift the Spanish youth? If democracy is against the dictatorship, why can not rebuild against stagnation and dysfunction? There are the three elements of the cocktail: a generational change, technology, social networking and economic crisis that takes jobs, housing and hope. Wish this object needs to be as clear objectives, tangible and difficult but was to push or Mubarak Ben Ali. Here it has already been used otherwise, but appears exhausted its momentum for future generations. As noted by Felipe González, the young Arabs wanted to vote like us and our wish that no vote.

http://blogs.elpais.com/lluis_bassets/2011/05/la-democracia-so%C3%B1ada.html#tp

As we have argued over the past days, the M 15 movement in Spain, will get extremely powerful over the coming days. People’s anger and mismanagement of the Spanish economy is reaching a critical point. People are tired of austerity and promises of better times ahead. These promises have proven wrong, especially with massive “hidden debt” now being revealed among different provinces. Thetrader has written extensively about the Spanish problems. With unemployment levels of +22%, austerity, politicans all waiting for the property market to take off, the huge unemployment rate among the “lost generation” is finally giving up and going into serious protest mood. This event will turn into something much biger, and will have huge impact on the Euro Zone and the European Economy. Below translated by Google from El Pais,

It is a day of reflection for regional and municipal elections. The first minute was silent in the street, but once that passed, tens of thousands of people who were demonstrating in the streets outraged launched a rallying cry, especially in the Puerta del Sol Neither the prohibition of the Central Electoral Board, or the Supreme Court’s refusal to lift the ban on protests and heavy police presence has demobilized Movement protesters 15-M. The retreat is underway and people are still on the street and no one knows how long or how far or how it will end.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court maintains ban on rallies and rejected the appeal by the United Left. When the news broke, the coalition announced he would file an appeal to the Constitutional before midnight, but registration is already closed and tomorrow is not business day. So here ends the legal route. The ban remains in place. And so far, all alone on all seats.

A new Democracy emerging? This event will leave a big mark on the European Community. Latest from the people in Puerta del Sol, Madrid. From El Pais, translated by Google.

A few meters from the Congress of Deputies has emerged another parliament. Another democracy is born from zero at kilometer zero and has become the Puerta del Sol in a large agora. Instead of benches Members square meters of land there, instead of President of the Congress is a moderator who studied Classics and now says to go into acting. The movement grows.

The graffiti and posters on the glass dome of the Sun Metro Station – SAMUEL SANCHEZ

The first was to organize and ensure the basic needs. The second, now and now, is to articulate a discourse that allows them to explain to the global society and general complaint against the shortcomings of the prevailing democratic system.

Some further comments from frustrated protesters;

 - Force of the State. Reduction in military spending, closing weapons factories and refusal to intervene in any war scenario.

- Recovery of Historical Memory. Condemnation of the Franco regime.

All major cities in Spain are under siege by protesters demanding jobs and better standard. Politicians are under huge stress facing the upcoming elections on Sunday. Implications for the Euro, ECB and the economy could be huge. From El Pais from Barcelona direct;

Catalunya Square tonight refilled with about 5,000 people who are not afraid of the police during an eviction on Saturday. Many citizens have participated in protests and activities of the day and the organizers have asked to carry flowers for a day of reflection at midnight. Dozens of people have entered into an abandoned building and have hung a banner reading “Democracy is not dead.”

During the afternoon, hundreds of children have joined the merger of the square, converted by the camping in a huge outdoor festival with children’s musical performances, theater and performances. After six in the afternoon, a man dressed in a brown coat, simulating a troglodyte, made him sing and dance to the kids with children’s songs. Parents as Miriam and Evelyn, 41 and 42 years, wanted to join with their children to the protest. Families, many with ice cream in hand, are the protagonists of the protest.

And while the kids enjoyed the performance, the judicious talks on the future of the country were. So much so that events are intermingled and it was almost impossible to break through. On one hand, child’s play, on the other, the debate about the future, threatened by the decision of the Electoral Board of the supported Provincialn Centralna saying that the camp is illegal and has to be dissolved. The Catalan government has hinted, in any case, the concentration will not evict unless there is unrest.

…but what will the protesters do over weekend? From El Mundo, translated for our readers;

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has closed the PSOE’s election campaign with a nod to the protests constant motion 15-M, but was particularly direct when he said: “The demands and protests do not scare us, we pledge to give social responses needed people for their future. ” But before that, has entered into two central issues of the protests. First, to say that the PSOE’s who fought hardest for democracy and freedom “, then, to emphasize that his government” has not given money to the banks, “it only has” borrowed “and therefore he “has taken on commissions.”

So, has called on all progressive people go to the polls on Sunday and proclaimed that “the fate and the future is always in the hands of the people.”

From the State Bar, translated to our readers;

The State Bar has recommended to the Interior Ministry not to proceed with the dissolution by force of the concentrations of the “movement of 15-M” if not violent act “supplied then” to fulfill the decision of the Board.

SSegún legal sources, the analysis Rubalcaba referred to the decision of the JEC, the Judge Advocate General of State recalls the requirements of the Organic Law governing the right of assembly provides for the compulsory dissolution of a demonstration. Specifically, Article 5 of the Act provides that the governing authority shall suspend and, if necessary, proceed to dissolve the assemblies and demonstrations, when considered criminally illegal, occurring public disturbances, danger to persons or property, or when attendees wear paramilitary uniforms.

Until one of these cases, the State Bar recommends that Interior did not resort to force if no violent incidents in the concentration, as also includes the European Court in Strasbourg. In this sense, legal departments of State considers that the Police must act in a proportionate and informed the meeting that their protests have been declared illegal and then urge them to desist and leave.

If the concentrated ignored that recommendation and if there is not any argument that requires the use of force, there is the possibility of imposing a fine or administrative penalty.