Tens of thousands 'marching for dignity' in Madrid against Mariano Rajoy's tax increases and budget cuts

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Spanish police and protesters have clashed during an anti-austerity demonstration that drew tens of thousands of people to central Madrid. Police said in a statement that six officers were injured and 12 people were arrested.

As a final speech was being given, protesters attempted to break through a police barrier and make their way toward the nearby headquarters of the governing conservative Popular party. Riot police then charged the protesters, who hurled bottles and other objects, and beat them back with batons.

One police vehicle and a bank were damaged by protesters.

Demonstrators from across Spain were protesting against government measures they claim have eroded civil rights in the country. Six columns of protesters, each from a different region, had arrived at the outskirts of the city before heading for Colon square, carrying banners bearing the slogan "Marching for dignity".

By late afternoon, Madrid's principal boulevard, Paseo del Prado, was packed with people chanting against the government's austerity policies and the cuts they have entailed.

"I don't want corruption, government cuts and unemployment," said office worker Susana Roldan, 24. "What I want is a secure future in Spain."

Prime minister Mariano Rajoy's government has pushed through waves of austerity-driven tax increases and cuts to government programmes since taking office in 2011, in an attempt to reduce the budget deficit.

Spain's economy crumbled in 2008 with the collapse of its property sector. It emerged from a two-year recession late last year as investor confidence returned. Borrowing costs have only fallen to pre-crisis rates this year. But an unemployment rate of 26% leads many to seek work overseas.

The protesters included trade unions, civil servants and organisations representing people who lost their homes after losing their jobs and defaulting on mortgage payments.

One woman carried a banner saying: "My daughter can't be here because she's had to emigrate."