Protesters shout slogans during a march in Madrid against government economic policy. (AP / Andres Kudacki)

Thousands took part in a “march for dignity” and against austerity measures in Madrid on Saturday on the eve of a closely watched regional election in southern Spain.

The Guardian reports:

Sunday’s vote in Andalusia, one of the poorest parts of the country, is seen as a test of the national mood ahead of Spain’s most unpredictable general election in decades. …

Spain saw growth of 1.4% in 2014 but after an economic crisis that lasted six years, the economy remains battered with an unemployment rate of 23.7%.

Half of all young people between the ages of 16 and 25 are without jobs.

“We have mobilised here for the young people because in Extremadura youth unemployment is almost 60%,” said 28-year-old Antonio Laso who hails from the country’s southwestern region.

Read more here.

— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.

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#activism#austerity#economic crisis#madrid#protest#spain