Thousands of people gathered in Madrid this Saturday to defend the unity of Spain and the Spanish constitution, the day after article 155 of the constitution was applied in Catalonia, almost simultaneously with the Catalan parliament's proclamation of independence.
En #Madrid manifestación en Plaza Colón miles de ciudadanos salen en defensa de la unidad de #Españapic.twitter.com/N2iIRt8vaX
— Elias Muñoz (@AnonymousSpaint) 28 of October 2017
The event at Madrid's Plaza de Colón was called by the group Foundation for the Defense of the Spanish Nation (Denaes), and among those who attended were two senior representatives of Spain's governing PP [Popular Party]: the party's vice secretary Pablo Casado, along with the president for the Community of Madrid, Cristina Cifuentes.
En Colón, apoyando la unidad de España que ayer intentaron destruir en un golpe contra el Estado de Derecho. Nunca lo conseguirán. pic.twitter.com/EWkUWjXvim
— Cristina Cifuentes (@ccifuentes) 28 of October 2017
Translation: At the Plaza de Colón, supporting the unity of Spain which yesterday they wanted to destroy in a coup against the rule of law. They'll never achieve it. - Cristina Cifuentes
Hoy he ido con @ccifuentes a la Plaza de Colón de Madrid a defender la unidad nacional y la Constitución. ¡Visca Cataluña! ¡Viva España! pic.twitter.com/30wuzvLM13
— Pablo Casado Blanco (@pablocasado_) 28 of October 2017
Today I accompanied Cristina Cifuentes to the Plaza de Colón in Madrid to defend national unity and the constitution. Long live Catalonia! Long live Spain! - Pablo Casado Blanco
“Señor Rajoy: estaremos ahí para apoyarlo en sus decisiones y también para impedirle retroceder” hoy en Plaza Colón, Madrid #VivaEspaña pic.twitter.com/gFN4FM9ulA
— Mariela delaGuardia (@Marieladelag3) 28 of October 2017
"Mr Rajoy: we will be there to give support in your decisions and also to stop you from going backwards" today in Plaza Colón, Madrid - Mariela delaGuardia
The atmosphere in the Madrid square was festive, with the music of Spanish popstars Melendi and Raphael playing, and with surrounding streets closed to traffic. There were flags on display offering support to the Guardia Civil and among the placards were some with the motto 'Puigdemont to prison'.