May 17, 2011, Spain
In Plaza del Sol in Madrid, two days after the demonstration that took place in 58 Spanish cities, the first rays of sunlight catch some of the people still debating the future course of the movement off guard.
Meanwhile, some of the people gathered set up food stands to distribute food donations from local associations and neighbors that are increasing in number. In addition, a webcam located in one of the balconies of the square keeps Internet users informed of developments.
About 5,000 people, summoned through web sites and social networks like Real Democracy Now! And NoLesVotes, arrive at the Plaza del Sol in Madrid to continue shaping the camp with all kinds of materials and resources: cardboard, tarps, tables, sofas, posters and computers. Their numbers grow so fast that those present have the feeling that if they leave, on their return, they will find a different place.
The movement agrees to hold daily meetings between its commissions at one in the afternoon and 8 pm until May 22.
“We have no home, we stay in the square,” they shout in unison.
May 18
International newspapers like Le Monde and the New York Times and BBC television give coverage to the 15M phenomenon, highlighting its good organization and comparing it with the protests in Egypt or Tunisia.
May 19
The Washington Post newspaper has on the front page what it calls “Spanish Revolution,” with a big photo of the Plaza del Sol in Madrid. At street level, among tents, posters and cardboard, a young girl uses a megaphone to enumerate the cities inside and outside Spain that are erecting camps at the same time.
The ‘outraged ones’ chose the May 22 deadline for the end of the camp because it is the day that the municipal elections are held in Spain. Most of the media in the country believes that the creation of the M15 movement is not accidental and that it seeks to influence election results.
But outside of the offices, things look quite different. In the squares, no one hears any chants in favor of one or another of the two main political parties in Spain, nor sees any flags in their support because of the non-partisan nature of the movement.
The feeling of many Spanish citizens is that they are paying a debt with cuts to their social benefits, a debt that they did not create and that have no semblance of being able to pay off. They feel helpless, pointing directly to bankers and politicians as the cause of the crisis.
As the hours passed something was changed in the environment of the main camps, and the country’s social networks begin to spread the idea that the protest might continue beyond the municipal elections since the movement lacks any electoral character.
May 21
On the “day of reflection” before the municipal elections, the outraged ones remain concentrated in the plazas, despite the express prohibition of the Board of Elections to do so on a day of reflection. The movement asserts that the best way for them to think is to stay in the streets.
The 15M phenomenon achieved something notable with this action: putting elections in the shade and getting the media to pay attention to them, rather than what was going on in the polls.
May 22
It is Election Day, and the certainty that the camps were going to stay beyond the election is complete among those gathered, despite the fatigue accumulated.
In barely a week, more than 200,000 people in Spain questioned the established democratic system and the role of the media in transmitting accurate information to its citizens.
Present day: United States
Meanwhile, in the U.S., more than 52 cities such as Chicago, Boston or Portland, Los Angeles and Dallas have already organized their camps or have begun to do so by press time.
New York City, New York
New York police has arrested more than 800 protesters since the occupation of Wall Street began, on Sept. 17. Those involved have announced that the occupation is indefinite and famous faces like Susan Sarandon and Michael Moore have been seen in the crowds, expressing solidarity with their requests and demands.
More information about the New York protest in www.occupywallstreet.org
San Francisco, California
In San Francisco, about 120 people gathered on Saturday September 24th at Union Square to continue their protests against the economic system established.
More about the movement in San Francisco www.occupysf.com