Post date: Sep 25, 2012 6:31:31 PM
MADRID, SPAIN (SEPTEMBER 25, 2012)(REUTERS) - Thousands of demonstrators marched towards the Spanish parliament on Tuesday (September 25) afternoon calling for a new constitutional process and an end to the government's austerity measures they say are depriving the people of their rights and jobs.
"Indignado" protesters try to take down police barriers protecting the Spanish parliament in an attempt to get to the door of the building as thousands of demonstrators march towards it.
The process called under the slogan "Surround Parliament" is not intended to take-over the building, but rather surround it, demonstrators said.
Outside parliament a protester was detained after climbing the barriers and entering the restricted area designated by police.
At least 1400 police were deployed around the area near the parliament building and barriers were set up overnight in preparation for the demonstration.
The "Surround Parliament" demonstration has been organised by the 25-S (25 September) umbrella group which is comprised of a number of citizen collectives and groups that are part of the 15-M (15 May) or "Indignado" movement.
Although the demonstration only managed to gather small groups of protesters from different parts of the country at the beginning of the day, thousands more joined for the main march which was scheduled for 1530gmt from two meeting points in central Madrid.
Strict security measures were in place in the vicinity of Spain's parliament since the early hours and access to the fenced-off area near parliament was controlled by police who asked residents and people who work in the restricted area for ID and proof of either residence or work.
Protests against austerity measures are a usual occurrence in Spain as public anger against austerity measures imposed by the government of Mariano Rajoy has been mounting, especially after a new round of cuts announced in July which increased VAT and reduced public workers' wages.
Many Spanish citizens resent the fact they must bare the brunt of austerity measures while the government has agreed with the European Union a bailout of the country's beleaguered banking sector.
With a full bailout all but a matter of time and the possibility of the imposition of more austerity measures, tempers in the Spanish capital were frayed on Tuesday.
On several occasion protesters have sought to reach parliament to express their discontent, but police have blocked their access limiting demonstrations to the areas around the building.
Although mostly peaceful, some demonstrations in Madrid have ended with confrontations between police and demonstrators and plastic bullets have been used to disperse protesters.