Thousands protest against new austerity moves in Greece

By Magda Panaotsopoulou

ATHENS (AA) - Thousands of Greek workers and unionists are protesting against the Syriza-led government’s new austerity measures at the Syntagma Square in central Athens.

There were also reports of clashes during the ongoing demonstration Thursday. Just after 1 p.m. local time (1500GMT), a group of protesters clashed with riot police at Syntagma Square and threw rocks and petrol bombs. Police responded with teargas and stun grenades to disperse the protesters.

The protest is in response to general strike calls given by the country’s two main labor unions, General Confederation of Greek Workers and the Civil Servants’ Confederation.

“Once more this government, like the previous ones, has followed a path that is not welcomed by the people…we will resist,” Giorgos Gatsoulis, a union member, said.

The new austerity measures, including a new pension bill are expected to be discussed this month as part of Greece's third bailout deal of €86 billion euros ($91.05 billion).

The debt-ridden country has come to a standstill as schools, all public transport, lawyers, courts, ministries and public offices remained closed on Thursday. Hospital employees too also participated in the strike and only accepted patients in emergency cases only.

“This so called leftist government is supporting these measures despite their pre-election pledges” a 34-year-old school teacher, Aggeliki Papaioannou, said.

Popular Unity leader Panagiotis Lafazanis said: “The new pension bill is not going to be passed [which means] the count down against this government has started”.

A union affiliated with the Greek Communist Party, PAME - All Workers Militant Front, also joined the general strike.

A day earlier, the Journalist federation POESY participated in the strike.