Spaniards protest against education cuts

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Thousands of people have marched in the Spanish capital Madrid in protest at government's cuts to education spending.

The protest was called in a number of Spanish cities under the slogan: "Our education will not pay for your debt". Students and parents complained that some schools asked parents for money for even basic supplies such as notebooks and toilet paper.

Justice workers protest in defence of the Spanish public justice system and against the raise of court and registry fees in front of Barcelona's court December 12, 2012.

The march ended up outside the Ministry of Education. Madrid’s government maintains cuts are needed to restore the country’s finances during a deep recession.

Spain’s regions have a combined debt of 145 billion euros, and about 36 billion euros must be refinanced this year. The country is trying to avoid following Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Cyprus in having to ask for international financial bailouts.

Public health workers shout slogans as they walk past the Puerta del Sol square during a protest against the local government's plans to cut spending and privatize public health care in Madrid, December 12, 2012.

Public health workers applaud a man who was passed the "torch for health" in Madrid's Plaza Mayor, during a protest against the local government's plans to cut spending and privatize public health care, December 12, 2012.