Spanish protesters who have camped out for more than three weeks in one of Madrid's busiest squares to protest the country's unemployment and economic woes have begun to leave.

Municipal cleaners moved in quickly Sunday as demonstrators vacated the area. The decision to leave came one day after protests were held in several cities throughout the country where newly elected mayors were being sworn into office.

In Madrid, scuffles broke out between police and hundreds of protesters rallying near city hall during Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon swearing-in ceremony. Several people were injured.

The protests are part of a series of nationwide demonstrations dubbed “M-15” that began last month by those frustrated at Spain's handling of its economic problems. Unemployment is more than 21 percent. Among young people it is more than 40 percent.