Tens of thousands of Spanish secondary-education pupils came out in protest across the country, against education cuts and corruption. They were calling for the whole government cabinet to resign.

What was going to be a simple demonstration against education cuts, was almost overtaken in an expression of general outrage against the ongoing corruption scandals involving the conservative party (Partido Popular) and alleged slush funds handed around the top members of the party in unmarked envelopes.

“Vosotros los sobres; nosotros las sobras,” was one of the most popular chants, which translates into, “You get the envelopes; we get the scraps.” Another chant was, “Menos sobres y más becas,” or “Fewer envelopes and more [student] grants.”

Protest marches took place in all the major cities around the country, and closer to home, in Granada, our provincial capital, where our reporter captured a lively march heading down La Gran Vía, escorted by bored riot police in vans – bored because there was certainly no whiff of rioting in the air. On the contrary, the air was almost festive, so much so that at one point, the procession, whistle blowing and shouts were interrupted by a spontaneous display of flamenco dancing, or better said, Un Sevillana.

As in all strikes and protest marches, the disparity between official numbers and those offered by the organizers was very evident. In the case of Barcelona, student-union officials put the participation at around 20,000, whereas the police put it at 1,900.

In Valencia the students burnt an effigy of the Minister of Education, Sr. Wert, before throwing eggs at the facade of the city hall, accompanied by cries of, “I want my envelope, too!”

Today saw the second day of a three day strike. In the meantime, the Barcenas corruption scandal continues to mount and indignation grows.

(News: Spain)