Slovenian Protesters Clash With Police Ahead Of Vote

A protester shows a poster with Prime Minister Janez Jansa's portrait saying "He is done" in Slovenian during protests against the government in Ljubljana on November 30.

At least 20 people have been injured and some 30 arrested in Slovenia's capital when protesters clashed with police.

Police used water cannon and tear gas to repel angry protesters throwing rocks, bottles, and firecrackers at them in Ljubljana late on November 30.

The antigovernment protest, which began peacefully, turned violent after smaller groups of demonstrators attacked police guarding the parliament building.

It was the second time this week protests turned violent -- a rare development in the otherwise stable country.

But tensions have soared as the former Yugoslav republic and EU member state holds its second round of a presidential election on December 2.

Demonstrators have vented their anger at alleged government corruption and budget cuts in the country.

Slovenia has been hit hard by economic recession and is in danger of needing an international bailout.

Based on reporting by dpa and Reuters