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Greece
Despite a number of violent protests and riots in central Athens, Greek lawmakers have approved tax hikes and job cuts as part of a package of austerity measures demanded by international lenders.
In a move that cleared the way for Athens to receive $17 billion in emergency debt relief funds—the fifth installment of a 110 billion euro bailout loan from EU countries and the International Monetary Fund—the Greek Parliament voted 155 to 138 on June 29 in favor of the austerity measures.
During the run-up to the vote, Greek riot police fired numerous rounds of tear gas to subdue small crowds of protesters who hurled stones, chanted, waved Greek flags, and set small fires in protest.
On June 29, at least 19 police officers were injured.
Earlier in the month, protesters wielding weapons and petrol bombs clashed with riot police during general strikes against the austerity plans.
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Additionally, left- and right-wing demonstrators used weapons on each other during a mass fight at Syntagma Square in front of the Greek Parliament.
News reports have suggested a default by Greece—who joined the euro ten years ago—would send shock waves through the European banking sector and potentially affect global economic confidence.
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