First of May demonstration in Madrid draws thousands of participants

A MAY Day demonstration organised by trade unions CCOO and UGT in Madrid gathered thousands of people in support of workers’ rights and the end of austerity measures.

Starting at the capital’s Plaza de Cibeles, it was led by trade union heads Candido Mendez and Ignacio Fernandez Toxo.

Mr Toxo and Mr Mendez were accompanied by political leaders including the General Coordinator of left-wing party Izquierda Unida Cayo Lara, PSOE socialist representatives in Madrid Antonio Carmona and Angel Gabilondo and the Socialist Councillor Pedro Zerolo.

The demonstration was held under the slogan “This is not the way to overcome the crisis. People are the priority. Finishing with the cutbacks policies,,” chosen to celebrate the 125^th anniversary of the First of May festivity.

CCOO and UGT representatives explained that the main goals of the demonstration were to support democracy, public freedom and the right to hold demonstrations, and also to denounce the financial and social deterioration experienced by citizens as well as the negative impact of austerity policies and their devastating effects on employment, social cohesion and quality of life.