European Workers Reject Austerity at Madrid Rally

Trade Unions Demand a Social Europe

ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch used the occasion to urge European institutions to abandon deregulation policies and prioritise investment in workers, public services and sustainable growth.

“Today we are sending a message to European leaders meeting in Brussels: stop indulging the deregulation fantasies of big business and follow the example of Europe’s best-performing economy, Spain, by raising pay and investment,” she said.

A major focus of the mobilisation was opposition to the proposed “EU Inc.” or “28th Regime”, a deregulation initiative that trade unions warn would weaken collective bargaining and workers’ participation rights across the European Union. In a letter (see below) addressed to the Presidents of the European Council, European Commission and European Parliament, ETUC called for the withdrawal of the proposal and demanded instead a European Quality Jobs Directive guaranteeing decent wages, job security and stronger labour protections.

Trade unions united around a common set of demands: quality jobs that provide a decent standard of living; dignity, safety and respect at work; fair wages; affordable housing; strong public services; and an economy that serves the many rather than the privileged few. Participants also rejected any return to austerity policies that have deepened inequalities across Europe.

Peace, Democracy and Anti-Fascist Solidarity

The defence of peace was another central theme of the gathering. Speakers argued that Europe’s future security should be based on diplomacy, cooperation and social progress rather than militarisation and escalating military expenditure. Trade union leaders warned that growing investment in armaments risks diverting resources away from healthcare, education and other essential public services.

Maurizio Landini, General Secretary of Italy’s CGIL, criticised policies that prioritise military spending while workers continue to face economic insecurity. Similar concerns were raised by Enrico Somaglia, General Secretary of the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT), who called for a Europe that invests in peace and human development rather than conflict.

The rally also carried a strong anti-fascist message. Chants of “They Shall Not Pass” echoed through the arena as trade union leaders warned against the rise of far-right forces seeking to divide working people through racism, xenophobia and fear. Speakers emphasised that solidarity, democracy and social justice remain the strongest response to the growing influence of the far right across Europe.

Fabienne Rouchy of the French CGT described the far right as “the worst enemy of the world of work”, stressing that attacks on migrants, minorities and trade unions ultimately weaken all workers.

For the Party of the European Left, the mobilisation demonstrated that workers and social movements across Europe are increasingly united in defence of social rights, democracy and peace. At a time of growing inequality, economic uncertainty and political polarisation, the demonstration in Madrid showed that there is a strong and growing demand for an alternative European project based on solidarity and social progress.

As thousands of workers gathered in the Spanish capital made clear, Europe must put people before profit. Their message to European leaders was simple and unequivocal: enough is enough.