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Protests shut down Europe

Last updated on: November 14, 2012 16:41 IST
Commuters wait for buses at Atocha rail station during a 24-hour nationwide general strike in Madrid

Streets remained deserted and garbage cans overflowed as workers across Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy went on a 24-hour strike to protest austerity measures and tax hikes.

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Protests shut down Europe

Last updated on: November 14, 2012 16:41 IST
Lisbon's garbage trucks are seen parked at a garage on the beginning of the general strike

The austerity measures and tax hikes, proposed by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund, have attracted strong opposition from workers across Europe.

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Protests shut down Europe

Last updated on: November 14, 2012 16:41 IST
Backpackers walk through a nearly empty terminal at Atocha rail station in Madrid

Opponents of the austerity measures claim that they will lead to cuts in salaries, benefits, jobs and pension. Meant to tackle recession, they will actually land the European economy in stagnation, claim workers.

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Protests shut down Europe

Last updated on: November 14, 2012 16:41 IST
A protester holds a sign with a painting mocking an Orthodox icon during an anti-austerity rally by Greece's public servants unions in Athens

Governments in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy are mulling these measures to cut down on spending, in the wake of the severe recession that has engulfed Europe.

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Protests shut down Europe

Last updated on: November 14, 2012 16:41 IST
An advertising board is seen at a nearly empty arrival hall at Atocha rail station

Spain witnessed protest rallies by workers on Wednesday morning.

According to media reports, dozens of workers were arrested by the anti-riot police in Madrid when the protests threatened to turn violent.

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Last updated on: November 14, 2012 16:41 IST

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