Strict austerity measures having had the opposite effect, El Corte Ingles and Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona further contribute to the recession.
The former, by hiking their prices so people buy less. The latter, by hiking their prices, then doubling the threat of not paying them. Thus, alienating those being scapegoated for the recession and on whom the salvation of the economy relies.
For an alternative to austerity, click here for the French Socialists.
