Jan 27, 2009

Downturn sparks protests across Europe

European protest marches

The global economic meltdown has sparked a wave of unrest across Europe.

On Monday Iceland's coalition collapsed. This followed weeks of protests by Icelanders upset by rising unemployment and rising prices.

Demos took place in Latvia where the government pushed through wage and spending cuts. The government also passed tax increases.

Austerity measures in Lithuania brought protesters onto the streets. In the Spanish city of Zaragoza tens of thousands turned out to protest soaring unemployment.

In Greece students and farmers have also staged a series of protests.

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Protesters clash with police at the Icelandic
parliament in Reykjavik


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Icelandic protesters burn furniture



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Protest in the Spanish city of Zaragoza


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Riot cops and Spanish protester


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Spanish protest in front of the Ministry of Industry.


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Farmer's protests in Greece brought
parts of the country to a halt.


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Farmers in Greece block highway.


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Protesters clash with riot cops outside the
parliament building in Athens.


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Mass rally in Riga.


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Bulgarian protester.


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Riot police in action.


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Protest in Sofia, Bulgaria