Election Day and the Spanish Revolution

Everyone knows that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence... but what happens when you pick up your things and move to that green place? (or in my case, a place a little more desert like on the other side of the Atlantic...)


I always have put Spain on a pedestal, a really high one. The perfect country. Ideal for living. Problem and care-free and "hey lets get some tapas and wine and sit at a cafe 'til our hearts content" type of country
The truth is... that it still kind of is

HOWEVER I am a little more educated now after being here for 9 months and acting like a little investigative cultural detective. I recently read a book called Ghosts of Spain. This book was written by a British journalist living in Madrid. He nicely picks apart Spain and explains how their past has shaped their future. Many Spaniards who saw me reading it were a little taken aback at first sight of me reading this book (perhaps because of Picasso's Guernica and the Basque flag on the front) but really, the book is a fair portrayal of the country and provides excellent explanations and historical background as well as explanations of today's society and cultural.

Anyway, today was a big day in Spain.... Local and Regional Election Day!

Vote or die, right?

WRONG. Spaniards gathered throughout 52 major cities to peacefully protest the elections, starting what they call "The Spanish Revolution" (yes, in English) This made big news! First off because many popular squares became campgrounds for many. People literally dragged out couches, mattresses, ropes and tarps, and any cardboard boxes they could find. They have been camped out for days, peacefully, making signs and banners, singing, telling stories, and even painting childrens' faces. And since there is free WIFI in these squares, many "tv" stations have been set up on the internet where you can see the happenings and interviews of participants. Also, kitchens are set up to feed the protesters or any bystanders. Those who are not sleeping in the squares are volunteering their time to help or donate supplies such as food, markers, cardboard, blankets, water, gloves, etc.

knitting to make a large unified quilt

What is special about these protests is also that according to the law, protests are illegal within 24 hours of election day (or something). But since the protests have remained peaceful, the government has decided not to intervene.

Why are they doing this? Well Spain's unemployment rate is the highest in all of Western Europe, at 21%. Even more, 42% of 'young people' are unemployed. There is corruption and all in all, many Spaniards have lost faith in their government.

rest in peace democracy

"This is serious, this is not a botellón"

Spain has a fairly new and young government, with its new constitution written in the late 70's/early 80's. A friend the other night referred to Spain as a new country! I think that this is a reason people are so upset with the government; should it be failing them already? There have been so many changes in this country since Franco's reign, and Spaniards will not tolerate being mistreated by their government again. I think they're right. Government is there to protect you, and if the government is not doing its job, then something is wrong.

However, from living in America I know damn well that no government is perfect. There is always corruption, there is never a solution to make everyone happy, and things will never be perfect. Should we accept this as a fact of life? The 'Hey, that's the way the cookie crumbles' attitude?Will protesting get them anywhere? Many argue that no, these protests will not get them anywhere. But I think its great. It is a powerful, peaceful way to get a message across where thousands can also show their support. Many people donate money or buy wrist bands to a cause like curing cancer or sign petitions to try and get their points across, but does this mean it will really happen? No, but it's all about support.

People leaving thoughts and wishes

The childrens center. Pez para la paz? Fish for peace?

So when the polls closed today, it was announced that a new party, the People's Party has taken control for the first time in 30 years! This party is considered "conservative" and the socialists are out. Im not really much into politics, but I think this is comparable to the USA's elections this past November, when the Republicans took over the Senate and the House. Bad news for Obama

What does this mean for Spain? Will the country improve? Will more jobs be created? Will people be more satisfied?

Who knows with government these days.... Buena Suerte, España