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Europe
Violent anti-austerity protests grip Greek capital
2011-10-20
[Swiss Info] Greece's parliament gave initial approval on Wednesday to a new round of belt-tightening needed to avert default, despite violent protests during the biggest rally in two years against the bitterly resented measures.

Hours after Greek police clashed with black-clad demonstrators outside parliament, all 154 of the ruling Socialist PASOK party's politicians voted in favour of the measures, which must secure a second vote on Thursday before the new wave of austerity is enforced.

The view of the ancient Acropolis was obscured by smoke from burning piles of rubbish and a bank building was evacuated after being set on fire by petrol bombs as a strike called by Greece's two main unions degenerated into violence outside parliament.

Much of the country was shut down by the 48-hour general strike, the largest since the outbreak of the crisis two years ago with government departments, offices and shops closed and at least 100,000 people taking to the streets of Athens.

"It's one of the biggest demonstrations in recent years. People showed they were determined to protest against these policies," said Mary Bossis, international security professor at the University of Piraeus.

"We are not done with these protests. We've reached a point where people don't feel the government represents them any more, they want a complete change," she said.
You have a parliamentary system. Your parliament can declare no confidence in the prime minister. Of course, they and he (and you) are all socialists, which means you got what you voted for.
Prime Minister George Papandreou, trailing badly in opinion polls, appealed for support from Greeks on the latest measures which include tax rises, wage cuts and public sector layoffs.
Posted by:Fred

#5  The titanic didn't need a new captain after it hit the iceberg
BP that is a great line; i think i just might use it, OK?
Posted by: USN, Ret.   2011-10-20 22:31  

#4  Boy-howdy are they revolting. Yhey stink on ice!
Posted by: Deacon Blues   2011-10-20 19:58  

#3  The Greek branch of the worldwide Free Lunch Party is revolting. "Deadbeats of the World, Unite!"
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418   2011-10-20 14:13  

#2  The titanic didn't need a new captain after it hit the iceberg.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles   2011-10-20 09:45  

#1  "We are not done with these protests. We've reached a point where people don't feel the government represents them any more, they want a complete change"

Food rationing?

Posted by: g(r)omgoru   2011-10-20 02:05  

00:00