Revolution!

As you have probably already heard in the news there has been large-scale protests going on in the very city that I live in- Madrid.  What started as a few small groups of young people protesting against the poor economy and 21% unemployment rate in the country in anticipation of the elections of new municipal councils and regional governments (that took place this past Sunday, May 22nd) turned into a straight out revolution.  This past week there have been thousands of people in Puerta del Sol (a huge plaza in the heart of Madrid) protesting not only the bad economy in this country but the high unemployment rate and "real democracy."  After just a couple of days there were people staking out for the entire day and then camping in the plaza.  Tents were set up, a day-care, a food station and even a place to make signs.  The young people in this city made not only national but international headlines.  Even after the elections have ended the protests have continued.  The city and police have done little to stop it seeing as it would be almost impossible with how many people are involved in these protests. 

Even though I have been here for 7 months I see myself as somewhat of an outsider since I don´t plan on staying past the duration of my contract and thus will not have to further deal with the economic situation here.  However I do very much agree with this movement and think it is great that the young people in this country are raising their voices for change.  Prior to these protests the young people here in my perspective, and to the perspective of much of the older generations here, seemed to have little concern for the future of their country.  But now it is clear that they are just as concerned as the rest of the country and even the rest of the world.  This single event has shown the strength and dedication of the younger generation here and how it is important to speak and demand change in order for there to be change.  Other cities throughout Spain started to lead by example of Madrid and hopefully this will bring about something, if not change in the government than simply change in the opinions and minds of people.