On Sunday thousands of people descended on the Spanish capital, Madrid, to defend the country's public healthcare system.

Demonstrators were opposing government budget cuts and plans to partially privatize the system.

The protest was not limited to Madrid, similar shows of opposition were seen in 26 cities across the country.

Protesterss held banners and flags, some wore white lab coats, as they banged drums and blew whistles.

Dissatisfaction with the current government and continued crippling austerity measures has meant that mass public action is now an almost daily occurrence in Spain. Thousands have been demonstrating against the evictions of those who cannot make repayments have been of particular prominence in recent weeks.