Greek police clash with protesters as parliament begins vote on austerity package

2011-06-29 20:06:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

ATHENS (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands of protesters on Wednesday gathered in front of parliament in central Athens while Greek deputies prepare to vote on the government's medium-term austerity plan.

The Kathimerini newspaper reported that there were clashes at several points around the city center earlier in the day as more than 5,000 police prevented protesters from blocking access to parliament. Police fired tear gas and clashed with protesters in Syntagma Square, the scene of violent clashes on Tuesday.

Greek protesters on Tuesday began a 48-hour labor strike against the government's austerity measures and ahead of the Wednesday's vote on the government-proposed Medium-Term fiscal program which is part of the conditions set by the European Union for a financing loan. The 48-hour strike paralyzed transport, public services and schools.

The latest austerity measures look set to pass through Parliament as a would-be rebellion by Greece's ruling Socialist party PASOK appeared to die down.

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 the country 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.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-29

What do they not understand about being broke?

I can't imagine the Spartans kicking up such a fuss - they gave austerity it's name.