On the eve of a crucial regional election in southern Spain, thousands of protesters took to a “march for dignity” in the city of Madrid.

The vote on Sunday, taking place in the poverty stricken area of Andalusia, is widely seen as a test of the current political state of Spain.

As Latin Post reported recently, Podemos, a year-old anti-austerity party, is currently the fastest growing party in the country.

According to the Guardian, demonstrators, in line with the ideals of the new radical leftist party, carried large banners that read, “Bread, work, a roof and dignity,” as they made their way on through one of the wealthier streets of the capital before joining up with other protesters at the Plaza de Colón Square.

The demonstrators were making public their frustration and anger with the austerity policies that have led the Spanish government to initiate spending cuts of about $162 billion between 2012 and 2014.

Areas such as education, public health and social benefits have all been affected by the massive cuts.

Although Spain experienced a growth of 1.4 percent in 2014, its economy remains troubled with an unemployment rate of 23.7 percent.

Half of the people between the ages of 16 and 25 are jobless.

Last month, according to Al Jazerra, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced new social welfare support and brought up his government's economic record as he tried to win back voters.

Although police ended up arresting 17 people for vandalism and public disorder, Saturday’s rally was by and large a peaceful one.

Last year’s first “march for dignity” ended with dozens of protesters and police officers suffering injuries.

The Podemos party, founded by the 36-year old Pablo Iglesias, threatens to unseat the Socialists as Spain's number two party.