Spain's social mood in 2011 was one of widespread discontent, according to ABC, which lists youth unemployment above 40%, frozen pensions, a labor reform that postponed retirement to 67, mass evictions after the housing bubble burst, disputed bank rescues and a string of corruption cases, all while the prospect of an EU financial rescue hung over the country.
Confidence in institutions and in the political class was collapsing, and the outlet describes how that frustration turned despair into rage.
ABC notes that on March 15 — the date that would end up giving the whole movement its name — a Democracia Real Ya demonstration was held in Madrid.
The report turns to people who joined the 15-M protests and later became disenchanted, and to the new campout in Sol, with those interviewed describing how they fell out of step with the movement.
