Thousands march across Spain to protest austerity, unemploymentMarch 11, 2013 - 19:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Tens of thousands of demonstrators have marched in dozens of Spanish cities to protest against sky-high unemployment, corruption scandals and what they say is the government's inefficient handling of the economy, Belfast Telegraph reported. Many protesters carried placards critical of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's ruling Popular Party, which is immersed in a corruption investigation centred on former treasurer Luis Barcenas and alleged under-the-table payments to party officials while in opposition. King Juan Carlos' son-in-law, Inaki Urdangarin, is also under investigation on suspicion of having embezzled several million dollars. Rallies were organised in Madrid and 60 other cities by 150 organisations including trade unions representing the construction, car and television industries as well as police and health services. Police estimated some 20,000 people marched in the north-eastern port city of Barcelona, but authorities did not have figures for a large rally held in Madrid. Spain's unemployment rate is at 26% and the economy is immersed in its second recession in three years, with many young graduates and qualified professionals emigrating to find jobs elsewhere. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |