Madrid pension march sends clear message to PP and Vox

Tens of thousands of people marched in Madrid on Saturday to defend the public pension system, one month before Spain's general election on November 29. Organizers reported around 40,000 attendees from across the country. The demonstration, called by COESPE and other platforms, traveled from Atocha to Puerta del Sol. Participants chanted slogans like "pensions are not sold, pensions are defended," with organizers noting higher turnout than previous years and new groups joining. The protest targeted the conservative PP and Vox parties, opposing any introduction of private capitalization mechanisms. This comes amid recent statements from both parties' officials that reopened debate on pension reform, despite their national leaderships reaffirming commitment to maintaining benefits.