Spain youth rally against unemployment

Demonstration scene after youths protest poor economic situation in Spain.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/173655.html

Thousands of people have marched through the streets of the Spanish capital Madrid to protest the country's poor economic situation which continues to plague the unemployed, particularly its youth.

"Almost half of Spain's youths are unemployed," said Ivan Alonso, a university student at the demonstrations, which were held to protest high unemployment, job insecurity and the government's spending cuts.

"I have been unemployed for three years,” noted Alonso, adding that “the government is starting to reduce scholarships and without a scholarship or a job it will be impossible to continue studying."

The youth protests in Madrid were inspired by the uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as anti-austerity protests in other European cities, including Lisbon where in March 11th there was a huge demonstration against similar austerity problems.

"Italy, France, Greece and Iceland taught us that mobilization is indispensable; the Arab world has shown us that victory is possible," reported Youth Without a Future, the group which started this campaign.

Protesters felt frustrated at the lack of jobs with little available for even the most qualified graduates.

Rates for those unemployed and less than 25 years of age stand at 43.5 percent in February, being more than twice the national average and the highest youth unemployment rate in the European Union, the report said.