The Spanish movement Movimiento 15-M was formed in May 2011 as an amalgamation of regional groups. The subsequent in part spontaneous protests and ephemeral occupations were largely organized via social networks and were directed against the consequences of the mortgage crisis and neoliberal policies on the housing market. Camps were set up in public spaces in various Spanish cities, including Barcelona and Madrid. In addition, there were various squats, in which activists joined forces with house residents threatened with foreclosure to protect properties from eviction. Social evils as well as economic and political grievances were demonstrated. Their direct-democratic structure is exemplary for a new form of protest.

The aim of the movement is to draw attention to existing social, economic and political problems, to show solidarity in protest, and to establish direct democratic structures and bring about changes in the law.

The initiative around the 15-M movement are considered to have paved the way for Podemos and other municipalist parties that have since found their way into parliaments.
PAH Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca obtained a legislative initiative that was supported by a broad public. The initiative stipulates that no evictions may take place until the authorities provide alternative housing options.
Similar protest movements followed in other European countries, including »Aganktismenoi« in Greece, M12M in Portugal and solidarity rallies in Paris and Berlin, among others.

Association of regional groups, including 15-M Movement and subgroups such as PAH Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca.