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Tens of thousands took to the streets across Spain late Wednesday night to celebrate International Women’s Day. In the capital Madrid, the mainly female demonstrators gathered after a long march on and around Plaza de España. According to the authorities, the number of participants was 17,000, but the organizers spoke of around 700,000. “Long live the struggle of all women,” wrote Equal Opportunities Minister Irene Montero on Twitter.

Tens of thousands took to the streets not only in Madrid, but also in other cities such as Barcelona, ​​Bilbao, Valencia, Zaragoza and Seville. In some places, the demonstrations lasted until just before midnight. The demonstrators included many young girls, women who also had their small children with them, as well as numerous pensioners. They usually wore purple clothes, purple posters, purple flags and also purple umbrellas. Many men also participated, although they were clearly outnumbered.

For years, one of the largest rallies in the world has taken place in Spain on International Women’s Day. This year, however, they were partly overshadowed by the left-wing government’s fiasco over a new sex crimes law that unexpectedly led to the early release of more than 70 detained sex offenders since last fall through a loophole. Parliament therefore submitted a new amendment to this law on Tuesday evening.

For the left-wing government, which wanted to make a name for itself as a champion of women’s rights in the important election year of 2023, this was a major setback, which is now also reflected in the polls on voter support. The conservative opposition is now at the forefront of this. Within the coalition, the so-called “Only yes is yes” law caused a serious crisis nine months before the parliamentary elections. (sda/dpa)