Spain’s public pension system drew demonstrators into central Madrid on Saturday, where retirees and supporters sought benefits tied to inflation ahead of the country’s Nov. 29 general election. The Associated Press reported that thousands took part in the march.
The Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) said it backed the nationwide rally alongside pensioner organizations. Its platform calls for increases based on the consumer price index (CPI), a minimum benefit protected by law and measures to narrow the gender gap in pension payments. The group also opposes private pension funds, wants repeal of reforms adopted in 2011, 2013, 2022, 2023 and 2025, and seeks early retirement without penalties after 35 contribution years.
Published attendance estimates varied widely. El País cited organizers’ estimate of 50,000 and a Government Delegation count of 25,000. An AFP dispatch carried by The Local put the crowd at about 250,000, attributing the figure to authorities; the Associated Press described thousands without giving a precise total. El País also reported that the pension march recurs each October and that organizers told it participation had doubled from the prior year.
Other European mobilizations also prompted security measures. France’s Interior Ministry announced special units and checks at transport hubs for Oct. 24, following violence at demonstrations on Oct. 17. The Associated Press reported French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be deployed across the country. In Milan, where demonstrations addressed living costs and public services, the AP reported that 500 additional soldiers were sent to support about 5,000 police and other law-enforcement personnel.
A royal decree schedules Spain’s election for Nov. 29 and sets the campaign period for Nov. 13-27.
