Spain' anti-austerity 15-M movement has called for gatherings in Spain on Saturday in protest, among other things, at the high level of unemployment, the lack of opportunities and government cutbacks in public spending.

The acts are held on the first anniversary of the birth of the movement, which sprang up almost spontaneously in Spain and other parts of Europe last year.

In Spain the movement was born on the eve of regional and local elections out of frustration at a political situation which appeared unable to deal with the crisis.

It saw gatherings and makeshift camps set up in city centers in many Spanish cities. But with the passing of time, the lack of focus, many different viewpoints and aims, the movement has lost much of its strength.

The 15-M movement was hardly a factor in the general election of November 20th last year.

That election propelled the right wing Popular Party to power, and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's wide-ranging spending cuts have given a new impetus to the movement.

The changes to labor law imposed Rajoy's government provoked a general strike on March 29 and recent weeks have seen hundreds of thousands of Spaniards take to the strike in protest against these reforms, which make it easier for companies to sack workers, and cutbacks in health and education spending.

All five of Spain's teaching unions strike against the cuts in their sector on May 22.

Meanwhile, many Spaniards also point to the government nationalization of Bankia, Spain's fourth biggest bank, as a sign that Rajoy's government is favoring business and the banks over the needs of the citizens.

Some see it as no coincidence that the money needed to bailout Bankia is roughly equivalent to that slashed from the health and education budget.

The timing of the Bankia nationalization has added extra indignation to many who will take to the streets this Saturday.

The 15-M movement will celebrate its anniversary by meeting in Madrid's emblematic Puerta del Sol after marching to the symbolic heart of the capital from four other Madrid squares.

. The organizers hope to repeat their encampment for three days, although the Madrid Government Delegation has placed a five-hour time limit on the concentration, which should end at 10pm local time.

The Delegate of the Madrid local government, Cristina Cifuentes insists that a camp will not be allowed because it would be against the rights of normal citizens and would harm the many businesses and shops in the zone, in the heart of the capital

Meanwhile 1,500 anti-disturbance police have been deployed in the capital.