Spaniards protest education fund cuts

Thousands of demonstrators have poured onto the streets of Spain to protest against government spending cuts in the education sector and growing economic injustices. At least two people ere arrested and five others slightly injured on Wednesday when some protesters from Spain's "indignant" social movement marched through the center of the capital Madrid. Protesters beat drums and were dressed as Christmas characters. Demonstrators held placards reading; "Education is an investment not an expense," and "People are not merchandise.” Similar protests were also staged in other cities across the country such as Barcelona -- Spain's second-largest city. Spain's "indignant" movement was born when thousands protested against high unemployment in Madrid's Puerta-del-Sol square during spring. Since then, the movement has staged regular protests that have drawn tens of thousands of demonstrators. Earlier this week, Spain's Economy Minister Luis de Guindos said that the country will record negative growth in the fourth quarter of 2011. He added that the country will slide back into recession in early 2012 Newly-elected Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has already unveiled his first package of budget cuts and tough economic reforms as part of an effort to save Spain's economy. People across the country have protested against the measures on various occasions. Many Spaniards blame the government for their hardships, stressing that authorities have failed to properly address the country's economic situation. With 4.9 million people out of work, Spain has the highest jobless rate, currently 21.3 percent, in the eurozone.