The mobilization, called by the Platform Against the Installation of a NATO Base in Zaragoza, marched along Paseo de Independencia, Plaza de España and Calle Alfonso before reaching Plaza del Pilar, where a manifesto was read. The protest responded to the Defense Ministry's intention to locate NATO's future main surveillance base in Zaragoza, although no final decision had yet been made at the time.
The platform's spokesman, José Ramón López, recalled the protests against the U.S. base two decades earlier and questioned the economic arguments in favor of the project. Organizers argued that the planned investment should be allocated to civilian research and job creation instead of military facilities.
Those attending included political representatives such as Bizén Fuster of CHA and Adolfo Barrena of Izquierda Unida. Fuster summed up his position with a forceful statement: "We Zaragoza residents do not want to be part of the club of war."
The day also saw moments of tension. A group of young CNT members was intercepted by National Police officers because of a banner that, according to some attendees, contained offensive messages against the security forces. The incident led to shoving and shouting, although the demonstration was ultimately able to continue.
In Plaza del Pilar, José Luis Ruiz, a member of the Platform Against the War of Ejea, read a manifesto denouncing the presence of military facilities in the territory. According to data presented by the organizers, 33% of Zaragoza's municipal area and 2% of Aragon were occupied by military land.
The protest ended with organizers pledging to continue mobilizing against the possible NATO base. This is how Aragón Digital reported it 20 years ago, in an article covering the slogans, demands and moments of tension during that demonstration in Zaragoza.
