Francisco Seco / AP

Riot police stand guard outside the Portuguese parliament beside a fire set by demonstrators during a protest against the government's 2013 budget, on Oct. 15, 2102 in Lisbon. Portugal's government is taking the bailed-out country deeper into austerity, announcing sharp tax increases next year that risk worsening a recession and stoking public discontent.

Anger over Portugal austerity reaches steps of Lisbon parliament

Reuters reports on the latest budget cuts that have strained the patience of Portuguese voters:

With the country suffering its worst recession since the 1970s, the 2013 budget is set to introduce sharp income tax hikes, which could amount to up to two or three months' wages for middle-income workers, to ensure the country meets its budget goals under the bailout. Finance Minister Vitor Gaspar has described the planned tax increases as "enormous".

Some economists say that the measures, which will also include pension cuts, a financial transaction tax and higher property taxes, could push Portugal into a recessive spiral like Greece, further undermining Europe's German-inspired austerity drive for the euro's highly indebted countries. Read the full story.

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