National march on Madrid to contest austerity

Spain’s national union centers CC.OO and UGT along with civil society organizations are escalating the fight against the Popular Party’s savage social policies with a national march on Madrid September 15. The mobilization is organized through the Social Summit formed in July which brings together over 150 organizations.

The Social Summit is demanding a national referendum on the austerity policies of the Rajoy government, which has introduced measures not even hinted at in its election program. Strikes and demonstrations which have mobilized millions have so far failed to deflect the government from its course, encouraged by the EU and the country’s private creditors. The organizers of the march have pledged to hold the referendum themselves should the government continue to reject popular opinion.

Preparations for the march will be finalized at a second meeting of the Social Summit in Madrid September 10.