Approximately 2,000 demonstrators took to the streets of Madrid on Saturday, marching through the Paseo del Prado to protest the Spanish government's planned increase in military spending.

The rally was organized by 70 groups, including trade unions, associations, and political parties such as Podemos, Izquierda Unida (IU), and Movimiento Sumar.

The protesters demanded a halt to the government's strategy to reach a defense spending target of 2% of GDP, an initiative that aligns with broader European Union and NATO rearmament efforts.

Among the participants were political figures such as Irene Montero, Ione Belarra, Estrella Galán, Carlos Martín, and Enrique Santiago, who called for a resurgence of citizens’ resistance, drawing parallels to the 15-M movement against austerity observed a decade ago.

The demonstration commenced near the Atocha train station and concluded at the Puerta del Sol, passing by the Congress of Deputies as protesters shouted slogans directed at the government and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, including demands to withdraw from military engagements.

With a collection of flags and placards, demonstrators emphasized their anti-militaristic sentiments.

In Puerta del Sol, representatives from various associations reiterated Madrid's historical anti-militarist and anti-fascist legacy, encouraging the city to stand as an example against rising fascism.

The speakers condemned national budget allocations for military rearmament and labeled the spending as a mandate by ruling elites.

They criticized EU recommendations, such as the 72-hour emergency survival kit, suggesting that such measures were designed to incite societal anxiety.

Additionally, calls were made to repeal the 'Gag Law' and other repressive legislation seen as tools to suppress public mobilization.

Enrique Santiago, the leader of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) and Secretary of State for the 2030 Agenda, remarked that IU will be closely monitoring government actions.

He emphasized the need for a focus on security rooted in education, healthcare, and environmental protection, contrasting the arms race, which has become a contentious issue between coalition partners in Spain's government.

Calls for public funding instead of military expenditure echoed throughout the protest, with recurring chants underscoring the demand for reallocating defense budgets towards schools and hospitals.

The protest occurred against the backdrop of statements made by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at a NATO pre-summit meeting in Brussels, where he urged member states to allocate 5% of their GDP towards military spending as an acknowledgment of current threats.

Although Sumar has agreed to the increase to 2% of GDP, some factions within the coalition see the 5% target as a major sticking point.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles, also at the Brussels meeting, refrained from discussing specific percentages, focusing instead on ensuring that Spain meets its NATO commitments.

Santiago warned that consent to the 5% spending requirement would likely lead to IU's withdrawal from the government.

Carlos Martín from Movimiento Sumar expressed certainty that the government would not proceed in that direction.

Conversely, Irene Montero from Podemos voiced skepticism regarding potential compliance with higher spending, referencing an upcoming NATO summit expected to solidify military budget commitments.

The protest was notably marked by the prevalence of Palestinian flags among various banners, reflecting the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where it is reported that over 50,000 Palestinians have died due to Israeli strikes since October 2023. Participants vocally condemned what they referred to as genocide and called for Spain to sever ties with Israel, highlighting this issue among their demands.

Political representatives, including EU parliament member Estrella Galán, criticized the EU for allowing what she termed an 'increasingly intolerable' situation in Gaza and declared Spain a European benchmark in support of the Palestinian cause.

Montero accused the government of hypocrisy, asserting that while it professed support for Palestinians, it remained complicit through arms transit to Israel.