Thousands march against Croatian government
Sun, 6 Mar 2011 19:28 GMT
ZAGREB, March 6 (Reuters) - Up to 10,000 anti-government protesters staged a peaceful march through the streets of Zagreb on Sunday, demanding the government resign because of the country's economic woes.
They chanted '(PM) Jadranka (Kosor), go away' and carried banners saying 'I'm here for my grandchildren' and 'It's not that 350,000 people volunteered to register with the unemployment office'.
A week ago protesters attacked police with bottles and stones at the end of a war veterans' rally in Zagreb, leading to 65 arrests and dozens of injuries.
Peaceful anti-government protests have been held since in Zagreb and in several other cities.
Analysts said the protests reflected discontent with the government's failure to address high unemployment and dwindling living standards.
According to a poll conducted by state television and major pollster Hendal, 70 percent of citizens support the protests and 62 percent want an early election.
Croatia is struggling to overcome a deep economic crisis and restore growth after two years of recession. Unemployment is at an eight-year high of close to 20 percent.
Croatia is due to hold a general election in late 2011 or early 2012, but the government wants to conclude European Union entry talks before then and insists it needs stability to achieve that goal and economic recovery. (Reporting by Igor Ilic; editing by Andrew Roche)
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