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Anti-monarchy protesters demand referendum following Spanish king’s abdication

Tens of thousands across Spain have taken to the streets to demand a referendum on whether the country should keep its monarchy or be proclaimed a republic following the abdication of King Juan Carlos I.

The biggest rally, held in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square, united anti-monarchist activists under the 'Monarchy No Thanks' campaign.

Thousands of people carrying Republican flags flooded the capital hours after the 76-year-old monarch announced his resignation in favor of his 46 year-old son. Spain's 15-M social movement launched the proposal for a protest against the monarchy and the declaration of a republic.

The anti-monarchist movement gained momentum in left parties, including Izquierda Unida (IU), the third political force in Spain.

The call for protests spread across social networks to over 50 Spanish cities just minutesafter the king's abdication was announced Monday morning.

In Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia – which seeks greater independence from Madrid – thousands also flooded the streets to proclaim a republic.

Activists shouting “Dear Philip, nobody has chosen you," swore to pursue independence.

The president of the Catalan government, Artur Mas, said that "there will be a change in king, but there won't be a change in the political process that the people of Catalonia are following," AP reported.

Far-left parties urged a national referendum to abolish Spain's monarchy and called nationwide protests Monday night across over 50 cities.

The call for a referendum is also being reinforced by an online petition urging all political forces to seize this “historical opportunity to promote a public debate that will help regenerate democracy and determine the future of the monarchy.”