By — Larisa Epatko Larisa Epatko Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/european-protests Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter In Europe, Protesters Rail Against Budget Cuts World Sep 29, 2010 3:50 PM EDT Tens of thousands of protesters marched Wednesday in Brussels and trade unions planned strikes in Spain over planned austerity measures that are aimed at preventing an economic crisis in Europe, though critics say they would harm the poor. Protesters carrying banners and waving union flags marched to EU headquarters in the capital of Belgium. Some scuffled with police in riot gear. “The main feeling of the people is that for the banking system there are millions and billions of euros, but the social payments are being cut. That’s not right,” German coal miner Ralf Kutkowski said in Brussels, quoted Reuters. The protest organizers, the European Trade Union Confederation, said they called for rallies in 13 European capitals. Spanish unions held a general strike over measures including spending cuts and pension reforms. The European Commission also called on new penalties for countries that run up too much debt. The BBC provided this video report on the protests across Europe. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Larisa Epatko Larisa Epatko Larisa Epatko produced multimedia web features and broadcast reports with a focus on foreign affairs for the PBS NewsHour. She has reported in places such as Jordan, Pakistan, Iraq, Haiti, Sudan, Western Sahara, Guantanamo Bay, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Turkey, Germany and Ireland. @NewsHourWorld
Tens of thousands of protesters marched Wednesday in Brussels and trade unions planned strikes in Spain over planned austerity measures that are aimed at preventing an economic crisis in Europe, though critics say they would harm the poor. Protesters carrying banners and waving union flags marched to EU headquarters in the capital of Belgium. Some scuffled with police in riot gear. “The main feeling of the people is that for the banking system there are millions and billions of euros, but the social payments are being cut. That’s not right,” German coal miner Ralf Kutkowski said in Brussels, quoted Reuters. The protest organizers, the European Trade Union Confederation, said they called for rallies in 13 European capitals. Spanish unions held a general strike over measures including spending cuts and pension reforms. The European Commission also called on new penalties for countries that run up too much debt. The BBC provided this video report on the protests across Europe. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now