Anti-austerity protesters throw eggs, firecrackers outside Finance Ministry in Rome

ROME – Anti-austerity protesters in Rome threw eggs and firecrackers at the Finance Ministry during a march against cuts to welfare programs and a shortage in low-income housing.

More than 4,000 riot police were dispatched to maintain order as tens of thousands of protesters marched through the capital on Saturday. There were moments of tension when demonstrators passed near the headquarters of an extreme-right group, but police intervened when a few bottles were thrown.

Later, demonstrators threw eggs, firecrackers and smoke bombs outside the Finance Ministry. Police reacted by dispersing the protesters. There were no reports of injuries.

Ahead of the demonstrations police detained some anarchists believed to pose a security threat.