Spain: parliament under 'siege' in protest against cuts
Thousands on the street, riot police seal off building
(ANSAmed) - MADRID - Riot police have sealed off Spain's Parliament Tuesday ahead of a demonstration against the Rajoy government's handling of the economic crisis. The protest, which began gathering steam this morning and has been supported by over 50,000 people across Spain in a Facebook campaign, is expected to end in a symbolic 'siege' of congress at 18.00 in which protestors will call for Rajoy's resignation. Activists from left wing parties, disillusioned trade-unionists, 'indignants' from the 15-M movement, public sector workers, academics, intellectuals and ordinary people who have been hit by the crisis plan to cordon off the Lower House during session in order to save it from 'kidnapping by the Troika and financial markets, in collaboration with Spain's main political parties.' A high wire mesh erected around Parliament and the surrounding streets is being guarded by 1350 riot police who were last night deployed to the scene ahead of the protest.
La Carrera de San Jeronimo has been the scene of numerous protests at austerity cuts over the summer, including the abolition of civil servants' '13th month' pay and a VAT increase to reduce the deficit and achieve the goal of stability fixed at 6.3% this year and 4.5% in 2013.
Budget cuts totaling 40 billion euro are likely to be approved by the executive of the Partito Popolar at a Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday.
Government delegate in Madrid, Cristina Cifuentes, has warned that it would be a 'crime' to surround Parliament. President of the Parliament, Jesus Posada reminded protestors that ''Parliament is inviable' and cannot be interrupted or suffer external pressures''.
La Carrera de San Jeronimo has been the scene of numerous protests at austerity cuts over the summer, including the abolition of civil servants' '13th month' pay and a VAT increase to reduce the deficit and achieve the goal of stability fixed at 6.3% this year and 4.5% in 2013.
Budget cuts totaling 40 billion euro are likely to be approved by the executive of the Partito Popolar at a Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday.
Government delegate in Madrid, Cristina Cifuentes, has warned that it would be a 'crime' to surround Parliament. President of the Parliament, Jesus Posada reminded protestors that ''Parliament is inviable' and cannot be interrupted or suffer external pressures''.
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