Anti-austerity strikes hit Europe

Europe is being swept by anti-austerity anger with general strikes under way in Spain and Portugal today and walkouts in Greece and Italy expected to ground flights, close schools and shut down transport.

Police clashed with protestors today as millions of workers struck work across Europe to protest spending cuts they say have made the economic crisis worse.

Car factories and ports were at a standstill and trains barely ran in Spain and Portugal where unions held their first ever coordinated general strike.

At least two protesters were arrested by police in Madrid while others were beaten with  batons, Reuters said in a report citing witnesses. In Rome students pelted stones at police over money-saving plans for the school system.

Over 60 people were arrested in Spain and 34 injured, 18 of them security officials following scuffles at picket lines that caused damage to shops.

According to Reuters, cash machines were plastered with glue and coins by protestors. They plastered anti-government stickers on shop windows.