Today's protest by unionists in Madrid's Plaza Cibeles was attended by about 5,000 people, including many families with small and teenage children. At one point in the rally, the crowd sang the fascist song Cara al sol, anthem of the Spanish fascist party, the Falange. Many young people present could be seen singing the anthem while they also gave the fascist salute.
The demonstrators were called to the rally by the Foundation in Defence of the Spanish Nation (DENAES) to stand up for the “unity of Spain”, to express their opposition to the Catalan self-determination referendum on October 1st and to show their “support” for the Spanish security forces, the Civil Guard and National Police, which have been deployed in Catalonia.
During the protest shouts of “Put Puigdemont in prison” and “National unity” were heard, as well as salutes directed at the riot police, but there were also chants critical of Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy, for failing to “defend the nation”. Other slogans heard included “They don't fool us, Catalonia is Spain”, aimed at the mayor of Madrid, Manuela Carmena, while other Franco-era hymns were sung as well.
The demonstrators forced traffic to be interrupted around the Cíbeles fountain and there were a few minor incidents with some of the drivers whose cars had been caught up in the crowd. Several former members of the Spanish Legion dressed in uniform were present and also visible was a banner offering support to those recently convicted of assault on a group of people at the Catalan government's office in Madrid, on Catalan National Day in 2013.