Demonstrators frustrated with Spain's high unemployment and corruption clashed with police Thursday in the eastern city of Valencia, leaving several people injured.

Police arrested five protesters, who had gathered in front of the city's parliament where newly elected lawmakers were to start work.

The regional leader is facing charges of corruption.

The demonstration was part of ongoing nationwide protests led by jobless youth. One of five Spaniards is unemployed, and almost half of those between 18 and 25 years old are out of work.

Since May 15, thousands of protesters have taken over major squares in cities across the country to denounce the lack of jobs and cutbacks in government-funded social programs.