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Tens of Thousands Protest Austerity Measures in Madrid

Protesters from across Spain converged in Madrid on Saturday calling for an end to European Union-imposed austerity.
Image: Tens of thousands of protesters take part in an anti-austerity demonstration in Madrid
Anti-austerity demonstrators crowd into Colon square as they take part in a demonstration which organizers have labeled the 'Marches of Dignity' in Madrid on March 22. Protesters from across Spain converged in Madrid on Saturday calling for an end to EU-imposed austerity which has deepened poverty among the worst-off. The marches brought tens of thousands to the capital, Reuters witnesses calculated, in support of more than 160 different causes - including employment, housing, health and education and an end to poverty. PAUL HANNA / Reuters

Anti-austerity supporters crowded into Madrid's Colon Square on Saturday waving banners and demanding reform as part of the "Marches of Dignity" demonstration.

Protesters from across Spain called for an end to European Union-imposed austerity which has deepened poverty among the worst-off. Reuters said the marches brought tens of thousands to the capital in support of more than 160 different causes, including employment, housing, health, education and an end to poverty.

But as night fell, violence, injuries and arrest broke out.

Some of the protesters clashed with police following an attempt to break through a barrier to march toward the headquarters of the governing conservative Popular Party, according to The Associated Press.

Image:
People march during a protest against the Government in Madrid, Spain, on March 22.Andres Kudacki / AP
Image: Demonstrators attack a police van during clashes at the end of a march to protest against austerity in Madrid
Demonstrators attack a police van during clashes at the end of a march to protest against austerity in Madrid on March 22.GERARD JULIEN / AFP - Getty Images