About 25,000 rally in Madrid in support of Spain’s state pension scheme

Approximately 25,000 people have gathered in the Spanish capital in support of the state pension scheme, as protests continue across Europe, prompted by a range of issues, including the cost of living, school conditions and alleged corruption. Protesters from across the country marched through Madrid on Saturday before next month’s general election . The pressure on Spain’s state pension scheme is being driven by several factors, including an ageing population, a low birth rate and wage stagnation, as well as a declining ratio of workers to pensioners. Demonstrators are concerned that the state pension scheme could be significantly weakened depending on who wins next month’s election.