Thousands rallied in Madrid's iconic Puerta del Sol ahead of NATO's June 29-30 summit, voicing sharp criticism of the alliance's geopolitical role. Protesters held signs reading 'No to War Capitalism' as tensions over global security policies reached fever pitch.
'NATO doesn't protect people – it creates markets for weapons and chaos,' explained MarĂa LĂłpez, a student activist at the demonstration. Her sentiment echoed widespread concerns about defense spending priorities, with Spain allocating $13.6 billion to NATO commitments in 2024 despite cost-of-living crises.
CGTN's interviews revealed three recurring themes:
- Opposition to expanding military budgets amid climate and social challenges
- Concerns about proxy conflicts escalating into wider wars
- Criticism of arms manufacturers' record profits since 2021
While NATO leaders emphasized 'collective defense' during the summit, protesters demanded reallocating resources to healthcare, green energy, and poverty reduction. 'Peace needs hospitals, not missiles,' read one particularly viral protest banner.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
