Far-right rally in Madrid attracts thousands of anti-government protesters

Man wave flag representing dictatorship of General Franco outside Spanish parliament

Demonstration led by marginal right-wing groups (REUTERS)

Thousands of Spaniards have protested against the Socialist-led government at a rally in Madrid organised by far-right activists.

Demonstrators gathered in front of the Spanish parliament on Saturday, with many waving the current Spanish flag and some holding its predecessor – a flag representing the dictatorship of General Franco.

The Franco-era, pre-constitutional flags are increasingly seen at right-wing rallies in Spain, particularly at gatherings opposing Catalan independence.

No member of Spain’s mainstream political parties attended Saturday’s rally.

The crowd in the capital shouted slogans against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, calling him a “separatist” for his willingness to meet with the pro-independence leaders from Catalonia.

Last month the prime minister said he wanted to ease tensions with Catalan leaders in Barcelona and suggested holding a vote on greater powers for the region.

Protester holds Franco-era Spanish flag at Saturday's rally in Madrid (AP)

“It is a referendum for autonomy, not for auto-determination,” Mr Sanchez told Cadena SER radio.

No date for the proposed vote has been put forward.

Mr Sanchez took power early this year after the former prime minister Mariano Rajoy lost a no-confidence vote following a corruption scandal in his conservative party.

Catalan members of parliament contributed to Rajoy’s downfall in that vote.

On Monday tens of thousands of Catalan separatists took to the streets of Barcelona to mark the anniversary of the region’s thwarted referendum of independence.

Pro-independence protesters clashed with police and blocked motorways and train lines.

Polls in Catalonia show people in the region remain divided, with no clear majority either in favour or against remaining part of Spain.

Additional reporting by Associated Press