Violent clashes broke out between Greek police and protesters as tens of thousands of people marched through central Athens Thursday to protest against planned pension reforms demanded by the country’s international creditors.
The one-day general strike hit both the public and private sectors, including train and ferry terminals, as well as hospitals, which have only emergency staff.
Greek police are said to have fired teargas at protesters who were hurling stones during clashes on the sidelines of the rally.
For the third time in just over a month, ferry service between the Greek islands and mainland was suspended as boats were kept moored in ports. Farmers used thousands of tractors to block roads and intersections, as well as border crossings with Bulgaria and Turkey.
Greece’s two largest unions, the GSEE and ADEDY, called for the strike in protest against the new pension overhaul. The changes would increase social contributions and reduce pension payments.
“We cannot live, we cannot survive with what the government is asking from us,” said one of the protesters.
The walkout coincides with the third bailout revision by representatives of the EU and International Monetary Fund, who demand a cut this year of 1 percent of GDP (€1.8 billion) in pensions under the terms of the international bailout — and to unlock further financial aid.
Athens has already made 11 pension cuts since 2010.