Thousands march in Madrid on May Day over wages, housing and war

Thousands of people demonstrated in Madrid on Friday (May 1) to mark May Day, marching from Gran Via to Plaza España to demand higher wages, affordable housing and stronger labour protections.

Protesters rallied under the banner “Rights, not trenches,” as unions warned that rising living costs, stagnant wages and a deepening housing crisis were eroding social cohesion and democratic standards.

Alongside economic grievances, demonstrators protested against wars in the Middle East and rising military spending, saying workers should not pay the price through social cuts for conflicts promoted by global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"Every sector has problems. The education system has serious funding shortages, and we need better conditions for everyone,” said Jesus Escribano, a member of Spain's largest union, the Trade Union Confederation of Workers' Commissions (CCOO) at the rally.

-Sergio Leon, Silvio Castellanos/Reuters