Politics · Spain · 9 hrs ago
Thousands rally in Madrid to defend Spain’s public pension system
Thousands rallied in Madrid to defend Spain’s public pension system ahead of the November 29 general election.
Authorities estimated 25,000 people joined the march, while organizers put the turnout at 50,000.
Protesters called for pensions to keep pace with inflation and for the gender pension gap to be reduced.
They also demanded stronger guarantees for the public system, which faces pressure from an ageing population, low birth rates and a falling ratio of workers to pensioners.
Pensions have become a key election issue after political figures raised concerns about the system’s future, though Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo said his party would keep increasing pensions in line with inflation if it wins.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged to protect the system if he remains in office, and the election will determine which party leads the next government.
About 25,000 people marched in central Madrid on October 24 to defend Spain’s public pension system, according to authorities.
Organisers put the turnout at 50,000, while authorities and other reports gave a figure of 25,000.
Demonstrators called for pensions to keep pace with inflation and opposed possible privatisation of the system.
The rally took place ahead of Spain’s November 29 general election, amid debate over the pension system’s sustainability.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused the opposition Popular Party of planning to weaken inflation-linked increases, while its leader said the party would maintain them if elected.
- Who
- Pensioners and other demonstrators from across Spain, including groups organised by Coespe.
- What
- They marched to defend the public pension system and demand inflation-linked increases. Some also called for an end to the gender pension gap and opposed privatisation.
- When
- Saturday, October 24, 2026.
- Where
- Central Madrid, from Atocha train station towards Gran Via and Alcalá.
- Why
- Demonstrators said pensions must protect people’s purchasing power and be safeguarded amid debate over the system’s future.
Pension-system demonstrators
Popular Party (PP)
Inflation-linked increases
Pension-system demonstrators
Demonstrators demanded that pensions rise in line with inflation.
Popular Party (PP)
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused the PP of planning to weaken inflation-linked increases; PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo said the party would maintain them if elected.
System’s future
Pension-system demonstrators
Demonstrators opposed privatisation and called for guarantees for the public system.
Popular Party (PP)
PP MP Ester Muñoz said the current system would “collapse” and called for change; the party leader said pensions would continue to rise with inflation under a PP government.
PP MP Ester Muñoz said the current pension system would “collapse” and called for it to be changed.
Demonstrators marched through central Madrid to demand protection for the public pension system.
A general housing strike was scheduled, which a protest organiser urged demonstrators to support.
Spain’s general election was scheduled to take place.
- Turnout, authorities’ estimate
- 25,000
- Turnout, organisers’ estimate
- 50,000
- March route
- Atocha to Alcalá, central Madrid
- Election date
- November 29, 2026
- Inflation
- 4.9%
5 sources
About 25,000 rally in Madrid in support of Spain's state pension scheme
Miles de pensionistas toman Madrid para exigir subidas con el IPC real y frenar la privatización a un mes de las generales del 29-N
Miles de pensionistas salen a la calle a exigir subidas de las pensiones del 6%, mejores salarios y acceso a la vivienda
25,000 rally in Madrid demanding state pension guarantees
Miles de personas se manifiestan en Madrid en defensa del sistema de pensiones: “¡No se venden!”
What people are saying
no pension should be below the minimum wage. A lifetime of work deserves a dignified retirement.
collapse
The financial sector should not enter.
Pensions are getting smaller every day in relation to the cost of living, and we feel it in our homes.
Posts on X
Qué bonita es Madrid cuando defiende sus derechos. Proponemos que ninguna pensión esté por debajo del SMI. Toda la vida trabajando merece una jubilación digna.
🔴 Miles de personas se manifiestan en Madrid por el derecho a las pensiones dignas 📹 @Emi_SanchezH