Thousands of people at gatherings for unity in Spain

Tens of thousands of people have gathered at the protest in Madrid, until other demonstrations have been held in Barcelona, Catalonia, calling for political dialogue.

Gathering organisers, under the slogan “A should talk”, said this is the message sent to Spain's politicians.

Protesters wore banners writing “Spain is better than leaders” and “Let's talk”

These gatherings took place six days after the referendum in Catalonia for separation from Spain, which the government of Spain has declared illegal, while the Constitutional Court has suspended.

Catalonia authorities say that nearly 90% of the 2.26 million people, who have participated in the independence referendum, have voted in favour of secession from Spain.

Officials said the referendum exit was 42%, of 5.34 million registered voters in the region.