Spain: Education activists will demonstrate in major urban centers Dec. 20

Event

Educations activists will stage vehicular go-slow protests in cities across Spain 1100-1300 Dec. 20 to denounce proposed education legislation. Details of the go-slow protests that are likely to be the most disruptive have been confirmed in the following locations:

• Barcelona: Protest from Placa d'Espanya to Placa del Carbo

• Madrid: Protest from Plaza de la Cibeles to Plaza de Cuzco

• Valencia: Go-slow protest through the city center starting at Pont d'Arago

• Seville: Protest from Avenida Flota de Indias to Calle Pablo Picasso

• Murcia: Go-slow protest from Carrefour Zaraiche on Avenida Miguel de Cervantes through the city center

Similar actions are likely in other urban centers nationwide, though they will likely be smaller and routes remain unconfirmed. Further protests may be announced at short notice. Attendance will likely not exceed the low thousands even at larger demonstrations.

Additional police will likely deploy to monitor and facilitate the go-slow protests. The actions themselves and related security measures could prompt localized transport disruptions. Given that participants will likely remain in their vehicles throughout the protests, individuals are unlikely to violate current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures in Spain, which severely restrict public gatherings. The events are likely to proceed peacefully, though isolated clashes between police and protesters, or with disgruntled commuters, cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security forces and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check local traffic conditions and public transport schedules for disruptions before beginning journeys, and allow extra time for travel in affected cities Dec. 20.