Pension reform protests across Greece as thousands take to the streets



ATHENS: -- Clashes between police and protesters have broken out in Athens as tens of thousands took part in a general strike to protest against an overhaul of the country’s pension system demanded by international lenders.

Police claim the demonstration was mostly peaceful, until teargas was used to disperse a group anarchists outside the parliament.

As part of the bailout deal the left-wing Syriza government plans to increase social security contributions in order to avoid cutting pensions.

Frustration, anger and uncertainty summed up the mood:“I have been paying social security contributions for over 35 years, I don’t know whether I will be getting a pension and now I’m asked to pay three times more than what I used to pay,” said one man, while another wants an end to the crippling austerity: “This demo is a message against another bailout deal, against the new social security bill and above all against the things that are destroying this country.”

Pension reform is difficult for Syriza in opposition the party campaigned against hitting pensioners in the pocket.

Our correspondent in the Greek capital Stamatis Giannisis was on hand to witness events: “This is the biggest demonstration since Syriza came to power one year ago. And it is a rare occasion that white and blue collar workers join forces in order to voice their anger against the prospect of more austerity that may come in the form of higher social security contributions and lower wages and pensions.


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-02-05

Will be interesting to see a bankrupted Greece

About time you can't keep bailing out a country that don't want to have any fiscal discipline and more money annually

We understand this is not cause by the current population groups but life's a bitter pill

When forming The EU, was the prosperous nations so "DUMB" or "Ignorant" to not see this coming from some of the countries that would make up the Union? Or were they just so greedy thinking that The Euro was going to replace the US Dollar as the worlds currency ? If The UK had any gonads or knew that Scotland wasn't going to eventually leave they would get out now..At least The Iron Lady kept the Pound in place so as to give that option to leave.Love you Doll.

"now I’m asked to pay three times more than what I used to pay,”

Try this out - you don't pay in more, you will get virtually nothing in retirement.

Your choice.