Podemos holds Madrid mass 'March for Change'

Tens of thousands of people have massed in central Madrid for a rally organised by radical Spanish leftists Podemos.

The "March for Change" is one of the party's first outdoor mass rallies, as it looks to build on the recent victory of its close allies Syriza in Greece.

Podemos has surged into the lead in recent opinion polls, and says it will seek to write off part of Spain's debt if it wins elections later this year.

Podemos says politicians should "serve the people, not private interests".

Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias spelt out the party's message to the crowd.

"We want change," he said, quoted by the Associated Press. "I know that governing is difficult but those who have serious dreams can change things."

Protesters are parading in the same streets that over the past six years have seen many other gatherings against financial crisis cutbacks imposed by successive governments.

One marcher, Jose Maria Jacobo, told Reuters news agency that people had to fight back against the political class.

"It is the only way..., to kick out all of those politicians who are taking everything from us. They even try to take our dignity away from us. But that they won't take that from us," he said.

By rallying its supporters today to Spain's famous Puerta del Sol square, the party hopes to send a signal to Spain's traditional parties - and the rest of Europe will be watching, BBC reporter said.