Clashes as 25,000 protest tax hikes and spending cuts in Athens

Clashes briefly broke out between riot police and youths in central Athens during the first general strike since the country’s left-led government initially came to power in January.

Youths broke away from a protest march by thousands as it passed outside parliament and threw Molotov cocktails at police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades.

Nearly 25,000 people had been participating in three separate demonstrations in Athens, protesting a new round of bailout-related tax hikes and spending cuts.