Greeks protesting austerity measures turned violent in Athens on Wednesday, a day after after euro zone finance ministers failed to come up with a solution to the nation's debt crisis.
Reuters reported that, while some ministers insisted that a solution would be in the works by the time of the next meeting of European leaders on June 23-24, or sounded optimistic, Wolfgang Schaueble, Germany's finance minister, said flatly, "There has been no result." Ministers are planning another meeting Sunday in Luxembourg in advance of the leaders' meeting.
Thousands of protesters gathered outside Parliament in Athens on Wednesday, chanting, "Thieves, traitors! Where did the money go?" in an attempt to prevent leaders from considering additional austerity measures that included additional taxes, spending and job cuts, and privatization of state property. CNN reported that petrol bombs were hurled at the Ministry of Finance and police responded with tear gas.