Greek protesters stage 48-hour strike against austerity measures

[News_Editor]

Greek protesters stage 48-hour strike against austerity measures

2011-06-28 21:59:41 GMT+7 (ICT)

ATHENS, GREECE (BNO NEWS) -- Greek protesters on Tuesday began a 48-hour labor strike against the government's austerity measures and ahead of a key parliamentary vote.

According to the state-run Athens News Agency (ANA), the strike was called by Greece's two main unions, GSEE and ADEDY, which represent public and private workers respectively.

The 48-hour strike paralyzed transport, public services and schools. In addition, protest rallies are being held in Athens while others will take place later in Thessaloniki and throughout the country.

The Greek capital Athens will be without public transport service on both days with the exception of the Athens Metro which remained open to facilitate transportation to and from the anti-government rallies.

The strike was launched ahead of the Wednesday's vote in the Greek Parliament on the government-proposed Medium-Term fiscal program which is part of the conditions set by the European Union for a financing loan.

As the strike began, protesters gathered at Athens' Syntagma Square, in front of parliament. However, the rally turned violent as some hooded participants hurled rocks at police officers safeguarding the area.

Security forces responded by firing tear gas to disperse the protesters while some stores nearby were set ablaze. Hospitals, health care centers and ambulance service remained operating for emergencies only due to the violent protests.

Last week, the Greek government led by Prime Minister George Papandreou survived a confidence vote which will allow the Premier to enact a new austerity plan and the reforms needed to implement it in order to secure a new European Union bailout agreement.

Previously, the European Union delayed until early July setting the main parameters of a clear financing loan to Greece until it introduces new austerity measures and its appropriate laws.

Greece is expecting a new 12 billion Euro ($17 billion) bailout to consolidate its troubled finances and avoid bankruptcy as the first one failed to stabilize its financial system.

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