Riots in Athens as farmers protest against austerity cuts

Greek farmers fought with riot police in the capital on Wednesday.

They were protesting against the government’s austerity policies, as Greece tries to meet budget targets set by its international creditors.

Police fired tear gas to prevent dozens of protesters from forcing their way into the ministry building, and running clashes ensued. No injuries were reported, and two suspected rioters were detained.

More than 1,000 farmers, most of whom had travelled overnight from the island of Crete, took part in the demonstration. They later planned to march to the head offices of Greece’s governing left-wing Syriza party.

Protesters are angry at increases in their tax and social security contributions, part of the income and spending cuts and tax hikes Greece’s government has implemented to meet bailout creditor-demanded budget targets.

Greek officials are in a ninth day of negotiations in Athens with representatives of the country’s European creditors and the International Monetary Fund on new required cutbacks, including further tax and pension reforms.

Government officials say they hope to strike a deal by March 20 after repeated delays in a process initially scheduled for completion last year. Greece needs an agreement before the summer, when it faces a spike in loan repayments.