Stories about Spain from May, 2012
Spain: How Social Networks are Cleaning Up TV
For several years low-quality content has been broadcast in Spain. Called "telebasura" in Spanish or simply trash TV, it has been a very profitable business model for its low cost production and wide audience reach. However TV trash is in serious danger thanks to an active audience that has used the power of social networks and digital campaigns.
Germany: #Blockupy Protests Against Pan-European Austerity
'Blockupy' protests against the austerity measures being implemented in the Eurozone shook the financial epicenter of Europe - Frankfurt - last week. Online social networks buzzed with citizen reports on the mobilizations that occurred under massive police presence and repression.
Spain: 12M, a Ray of Sun in the Midst of the Crisis
On the 12th of May (12M), the Indignado movement demonstrated not only that it is alive and well, but that it continues to have strong social support. The square "Puerta del Sol" (Gate of the Sun) in Madrid is one of the symbolic centers of the movement.
Russia: State TV Justifies May 6 Police Violence, Cites Spanish Bill Criminalizing Online Protest Organization as Example
In the final segment of the report [ru] on the May 6 protest in Moscow, which ended in clashes with riot police, the Russian state-owned Channel 1 mentioned, among other things, a Spanish draft law [en] criminalizing online organization of public protests, as an example of the “much tougher” treatment...
Spain: The “Indignados” of the 15M
We share the stories of Karlos, Mari Ángeles, Miguel Ángel and Josep Maria, whom for various reasons, have joined the social movement 15M in Barcelona, Spain.
Spain: Arts Also Blossom in the Global Spring
The arts have also flourished with the 15M movement. To commemorate the 15M's first anniversary, the 12M--15M events, and to invite everyone to take to the streets again, the blog # Acampadasol has published a series of amazing posters that reveal many of the reasons behind the protests.
Spain: “Neighbor, Wake Up, Evictions at Your Doorstep!”
As part of the profound socioeconomic crisis, home foreclosures and evictions are rampant in Spain. Author Elena Arrontes covered the eviction of a Bangladeshi family from its home in the neighborhood of Lavapiés, Madrid. Neighbors and other members of the community immediately acted in solidarity with the family.
Spain: The First Anniversary of the Indignant Movement
The initiatives to commemorate the first anniversary of the 15-M (15 May) or Indignant Movement keep cropping up. The Catalan group Informatbcn interviewed several representatives of Attac Europe concerning this movement.
Spain: Many Reasons to Take to the Streets on 12M
On 15 May in Spain the first anniversary of the 15M will be commemorated. The events begin on 12 May (12M) in cities and neighborhoods. Spanish netizens have been anticipating the commemoration for days. The hashtags #YoVoy12M (I'm Going 12M) and #ALaPlaza (To The Square) have been TTs in Spain and throughout the world.
Spain: #NoMoreEuros for Bankia
The web in Spain has been seething since it was reported that the government is preparing a plan to inject public money into Bankia, the fourth largest bank in the country and the most exposed to the real estate market. Since the crisis started in 2008, the government has supported Bankia with more than 33 billion euros. The current bail-out plan could be as much as 10 billion.
Spain: Historic Battle of Almansa Remembered in Valencia
Valencian netizens enthusiastically used the internet to take part in an annual remembrance of April 25, 1707: the day that Valencia lost its political autonomy to the Kingdom of Spain.
Spain: Barcelona Sieged During European Central Bank Meeting
On May 2, 3, and 4 the European Central Bank meeting took place in Barcelona, Spain, a city that became sieged by the police. For this meeting, Spain temporarily suspended the Treaty of Schengen on the border with France.
Spain: Madrid Preparing for “Indignado” Anniversary
The anniversary of 15M - which will be celebrated throughout Spain - promises a month full of initiatives led mainly by neighbors and town assemblies. The common objective is to achieve the political permanence on the streets of Madrid claiming the right to assembly and free speech.
