Thousands in Spain anti-austerity march

Tens of thousands of demonstrators are marching in dozens of Spanish cities to protest against high unemployment, the government’s handling of the economy and corruption scandals.

Rallies have been organised in Madrid and 60 other cities by 150 organisations including trade unions representing the construction, car and television industries as well as police and health services.

Spain’s unemployment rate is at a staggering 26% and the economy is immersed in its second recession in three years, with many young graduates and qualified professionals emigrating to find jobs elsewhere.

General Workers Union spokesman Candido Mendez said it was clear most people rejected the government’s austerity policies, which he said were pushing many toward poverty and away from democracy.