Panic, protests outside Cypriot parliament

Panic, anger and fear have surrounded the Cypriot parliament – as protesters took to the streets to keep up the pressure on their politicians.

The government has until March 25 to raise the cash it needs to secure a bailout from the Eurogroup and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A state investment fund, a bond issue and a deal with Moscow have all been discussed, but time is ticking on and Cypriots want to know what the plan is.

Outside the headquarters of Popular Bank, the country’s second largest, employees protested over their uncertain future. The bank has stopped customers withdrawing more than 260 euros a day.

In a sign that it is preparing for the worst, the Cypriot government has sought powers to impose controls on capital outflow from the island.