Yesterday the media reported that one of the cuts introduced by the
Rajoy government in Spain was the abolition of the Christmas bonus for
civil servants. The reports give the impression that civil servants in
Spain have enjoyed privileges not available to other workers and
therefore they are an easy target for cuts.

The prospect of a Syriza government
caused a wave of panic in the bourgeoisie of Greece and internationally.
They organized a massive campaign to drive people away from Syriza,
warning of economic catastrophe if they came to power. That was
sufficient to panic wide sections of the middle class, older people and
backward layers into voting for the New Democracy.

Hundreds of coal miners have arrived
in Madrid today, after having walked between 400 and 500 km from the
different mining regions in Spain (Asturias, León, Aragón and
Puertollano). The determination and militancy of their struggle,
entering now day 43 of an all out strike, have captured the imagination
of wide layers of Spanish workers and youth who will come out today and
tomorrow for a massive demonstration of working class solidarity