Dozens of Romanians tried to storm the presidential palace today in a protest over austerity measures.

Anti-riot police repelled those who tried to force their way past barricades into the 17th century palace in Bucharest.

About 600 Romanians staged the protest as the country's top court was expected to rule whether cuts in public wages and pensions are constitutional.

Protesters are demanding that the president does not approve the sweeping cuts in public wages and pensions.

Prime minister Emil Boc announced 25% cuts in public sector wages and a 15% drop in pensions. He said the cuts must be made to meet the demands of the International Monetary Fund and to keep a budget deficit at 6.8%.

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