Tens of Thousands March in Madrid Against Public Pension Privatization Plans
Organisers estimate about 50,000 participants, government delegation 25,000; demonstrators demand pensions indexed to real CPI.
Tens of thousands of people marched in Madrid today to protest proposals they say would privatize Spain’s public pension system and to demand stronger protections for pensioners’ purchasing power.
Organisers put attendance at around 50,000 people, while a government delegation gave a figure of 25,000. The demonstration was called by the State Coordination for the Defense of the Public Pension System.
The march set off from Atocha railway station and proceeded along Calle Alcalá, passing the Prado Museum. Protesters carried banners reading "Guaranteed pension" and "Let’s protect pensions" and chanted for measures to shield pensions from inflation.
Demands and leadership
Francisca Lopez, the coordination’s spokeswoman who led the column, urged authorities to link pension payments to the real consumer price index so that retirees do not lose purchasing power.
Participants said they wanted concrete guarantees that current public pensions will remain the backbone of retirement income rather than being shifted toward private plans. Demonstrators included trade union members, retirees and civic groups.
Organisers warned they will keep up pressure with future actions unless lawmakers adopt binding rules to protect pension levels and strengthen social safeguards for older people.
Photo: press material from the event
