Economic turmoil and a royal abdication send more Madrileños to the streets to express themselves.

By Elizabeth Jones

MADRID- In Madrid, protests are a frequent outlet for expressing political opposition, demanding change, and spending time with friends, operating both as free expression and social cohesion. Protests increased following the economic crisis of the 2000s and led to the formation of 15M, a political movement that refused to follow government policies on protests. Opinions on the recent abdication of Spain’s king has played out on the streets of Madrid, leading to multiple demonstrations pushing for a referendum on continued recognition of the crown and counter-protests in support of the king.