Zagreb  - Demonstrations were held in cities across Croatia on Friday evening to protest the government's newest cost-saving efforts.

Protestors criticized the government cuts for impacting poor people disproportionately and accused the ruling parties and the opposition of mafia contacts. Demonstrators demanded lower food prices and more jobs.

About 2,000 people gathered in downtown Zagreb under the motto, "Tighten your belt more, you band of robbers." Demonstrations in other cities, which were partially organized through social networking site Facebook, drew several hundred people. (dpa)