Photographs: Paul Hanna/Reuters
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.
Click on NEXT for more...
Protests shut down Europe
Image: Lisbon's garbage trucks are seen parked at a garage on the beginning of the general strikePhotographs: Manuel Ribeiro/Reuters
The austerity measures and tax hikes, proposed by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund, have attracted strong opposition from workers across Europe.
Click on NEXT for more...
Protests shut down Europe
Image: Backpackers walk through a nearly empty terminal at Atocha rail station in MadridPhotographs: Paul Hanna/Reuters
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.
Click on NEXT for more...
Protests shut down Europe
Image: A protester holds a sign with a painting mocking an Orthodox icon during an anti-austerity rally by Greece's public servants unions in AthensPhotographs: Yorgos Karahalis/Reuters
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.
Click on NEXT for more...
Protests shut down Europe
Image: An advertising board is seen at a nearly empty arrival hall at Atocha rail stationPhotographs: Paul Hanna/Reuters
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.
Click on NEXT for more...
article