Madrid, June 3 (RHC-Agencies),-- Thousands of people came out across Spain on Monday evening to demand the abolition of the monarchy and a republican system of government.

Protesters also called for a referendum so that the people can decide what form of state leadership they want.

The demonstrations were a result of King Juan Carlos’ decision to abdicate the Spanish throne in favor of his son Felipe.

The social networks managed to rally thousands of people in many of Spain’s main cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Alicante, A Coruña and Vigo.

The capital registered the largest rally by far, with some 20,000 people filling Sol Square according to police calculations. Around 5,000 marchers came out in Barcelona.

The Madrid demonstration was quickly organized by leftist parties and associations, including Podemos, a brand new political party that became the fourth-most-voted force in Spain at the recent European elections.

During the demonstrations, Spain’s old republican flag, dating from the period before General Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, featured prominently in Madrid and elsewhere, as did references to the Spanish Communist Party and other leftist groups.

A large police contingent cordoned off Congress and the Royal Palace to prevent marchers from congregating there.