Marea Cuidadana: Austerity Measure Protests in Spain

Sparked by continued austerity measures facing the nation, tens of thousands of Spanish citizens began protesting again in cities across Spain on Saturday. Dubbed Marea Cuidadana, meaning ‘Tide of Citizens’, citizens from all walks of life (activists, teachers, union workers, etc.) are joining together to make their dissatisfaction obvious to the local and global community and governments.

“Gloria Rodriguez, a 49-year-old high school teacher who marched with fellow educators in the capital, Madrid, told CNN there are “many reasons” to demonstrate against the government.

Its cuts, not only to Spain’s education budget but also to spending on health, justice and social programs, seem designed to “prevent the state being one that takes care of its citizens,” she said.

“I feel that people are getting angrier and angrier, not only because of the cuts but because of the latest news about corruption,” she said. “However, I also feel that people are getting tired because we go out to the streets and we don’t get a reaction.””

I love the term Marea Cuidadana, it has so much meaning behind it. It puts a face and a name to the power of many. It surely will take a tidal wave to change the way our governments operate globally, so perhaps this tide could be a model for other countries, just as the Puerta del Sol protests in 2011 seemingly were the model for the Occupy Movement. But this time, let’s cross our fingers that the frustration of not being heard since then, and even being criminalized in some cases, hasn’t hindered people’s passion for change.

Written By Georgianna Dolan-Reilly, LMSW
SJS Staff Writer