Hundreds of people attended a rally and demonstration over the last week in Belgrave Square, opposite the Spanish Embassy in London, in support of‘Democracia Real Ya’ (‘Real Democracy Now’). Numbers peaked on Saturday 21st May at 8pm with around 700 people in attendance.
 
Students, workers and their families answered the rallying call originating from various social networks and via word of mouth throughout the week. The main motivation bringing these participants together is outrage and weariness at the misuse of the Spanish democratic system by politicians; their lack of respect and their constant mistreatment of the general interests of the electorate.
 
Protestors are calling for, in the first instance, modification of the electoral system currently in place and an increase in voter’s opportunity to direct the work of public institutions. In essence, the need to achieve a fair and collaborative democracy.
These demands are made in response to the electoral system known as ‘Ley d’Hont’, which generated the current two-party system responsible for the social, financial and political crisis in Spain.
 
Below is a summary of the decisions that have been made following the activities which have taken place across London over the past week:
-       The first and most important decision is that protest actions will continue until May 29th+. Mass meetings will continue every day from 7pmopposite the Spanish Embassy.
-       Alongside the mass meetings, there will be a second night of camping, taking place opposite the Spanish Embassy on Saturday May 28th.
-       In order to give the ‘Democracia Real Ya Londres’ (‘Real Democracy Now London’)* movement increased clarity and organisation it has been agreed that we will create an organisational structure primarily focused on four areas: Logistics, Communications, Strategy & Action and Art.
 
The last meeting, which took place on Sunday 22th May at 8pm, concluded by calling the last seven days a ‘historical week’ for Spain and for Spaniards in London. This is due to the considerable participation in protest throughout Spain and outside of the country, which broke through the usual sterile political debate of the traditional political parties. It also united the Spanish people who are outraged by the current system and eager for a change in the political and socio-economical structure.
  
QUANTITATIVE DATA (approximate):
Wednesday 18th May: 200 people attended the rally.
Thursday 19th May: 300 people attended the rally.
Friday 20th May: 500 people attended the rally (30 people camped overnight).
Saturday 21th May (observation day): 700 people attended the rally (70 people camped overnight).
Sunday 22th May: 250 people attended the rally.
 
*‘Democracia Real Ya’/‘Real Democracy Now’ is a popular movement, created spontaneously by the citizens, with no affiliation or connection to any political party.
 
Signed:
 
DEMOCRACIA REAL YA/REAL DEMOCRACY NOW, London
 
+NB: Some media have incorrectly reported that protest actions will continue until June 29.