Thousands of people gathered in Madrid on Sunday to rally for the abolition of the monarchy, under the slogan “Ten years are enough” and to demand the end of the Crown. The event took place three days before the tenth anniversary of Felipe VI’s reign as King of Spain following the abdication of his father, Juan Carlos I. The protest was supported by various organizations, including Podemos, whose general secretary, Ione Belarra, stated that Spain will not have a “full democracy” until it becomes a republic. Belarra was joined by newly elected MEPs Irene Montero and Isa Serra, who criticized the privileges and exemptions enjoyed by the royal family, and emphasized the need for a more democratic system.
The demonstration, organized under the banner of “Ten years are enough,” started from three different points in the city center and converged in Puerta del Sol. Flags of the republic, Podemos, and even Palestine were waved as classic chants of republicanism filled the air. The manifesto, read by political analyst Irene Zugasti and filmmaker Benito Rabal, called for an end to the monarchy and the last anniversary of Felipe VI as king. They pledged to return every year to demand the finality of the monarchy and work towards the establishment of a republic in Spain.
Prior to the march, Podemos’s general secretary emphasized the importance of public support for the call to abolish the monarchy, highlighting the lack of representation of this desire in mainstream media. She stressed the significance of Podemos’s vision for a plurinational republic, which would encompass the best aspects of Spain including public services, feminism, environmentalism, and republicanism. The march aimed at pushing for a more inclusive and democratic system that reflects the values of the people.
From the head of the march, the coordinator of Izquierda Unida Andalusia, Toni Valero, championed the idea of a republic born out of social consciousness and the people’s right to decide their future. He criticized the power structure and privilege inherent in the monarchy, emphasizing the need for a system that prioritizes the aspirations of the people over the interests of a select few. The march culminated in Puerta del Sol with chants of “republic,” followed by slogans in support of Palestine, which drew attention to international conflicts that resonate with the ideals of democracy and justice.
The call for the abolition of the monarchy echoed throughout the demonstration, with speakers and participants advocating for a more inclusive and democratic system in Spain. The event served as a platform to voice discontent with the current monarchy and promote the values of republicanism, equality, and justice. As the tenth anniversary of Felipe VI’s reign approached, the protesters made their stance clear, demanding change and a transition towards a more transparent and democratic form of government. The diverse participation and support for the march highlighted the growing momentum of the republican movement in Spain and the desire for a more equitable and just society.
