SPAIN: Retired workers, backed by the CCOO and UGT trade union centres, demonstrated across the country yesterday, demanding higher pensions and urging authorities to ensure funding for state benefits.

The biggest protests were in Bilbao, Barcelona and Madrid, where thousands chanted: "Thieves, thieves!" in front of the Cortes parliament, blocking traffic and being surrounded by large numbers of police.

Protesters held signs calling this year’s 0.25 per cent pension increase "miserable," saying it's not enough to keep up with inflation.