Britain's ex-P.M. gives advice to Spain

MADRID, June 3 (UPI) -- Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Spanish politicians should listen to protest movements like the M-15 demonstrators in Spain.

Blair said Friday that Spanish authorities should pay attention to protesters who have their place in politics, but insisted that politicians need to be the ones who govern, EFE reported.

"Protests are important but must not be allowed to determine policy," said Blair.

The ex-prime minister made reference to the M-15 movement that started May 15 in reaction to Spain's 20 percent jobless rate ahead of the May 22 regional elections.

The movement seeks a reform of Spain's democracy, which it sees as corrupt and as serving the interests of financial markets.

Blair praised the decisions taken by Spanish President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in the face of the recession.

Protesters in Seville, Valencia, Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao have maintained their camps since the elections.