As Greece announced that it will put in place its fourth austerity measures in three years to close the nation's budget deficit, lower its debt burden and make its economy competitive. Thousands of people took to the streets of Athens in violent protest against the expected tax rises and pension cuts. Pitched battles broke out between police and protestors ,with Riot police firing tear gas, and water cannons to break up the protest while being bombarded by fire bombs.

Although the austerity package aimed at securing the next round of bailout funds was passed with 153 MPs in favour – and a majority of just three passed it through. The Greek Finance minister said that the government didn't want to push these measure through but they were necessary.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras starkly warned that without the bailout Greece would run out of money this month and face "catastrophe."

Written and presented by Ann Salter