Greece, the birthplace of Western Democracy, is broke, forcing the government to approve an austerity budget calling for massive pay cuts across the boards for workers and a huge increase in taxes—this would include a sharp increase in cost of cigarettes/alcohol/fuel—sending the people into a tizzy on the streets of Athens. Protesters not only clashed with authorities, but they also lit them on fire, as well as a bank, killing three people trapped inside. Naturally, this isn’t good for tourism or the stock market.

Photos: PIAZZA del POPOLO/flickr