Financial News
- 8 November 2012, 12:07
Violence As Greece Passes Austerity Measures
Greek police have used water cannon and tear gas to quell violent protests, as politicians voted to impose fresh austerity cuts.
Around 100,000 protesters marched to the main square outside the parliament building in Athens to protest the £10.7bn cuts and reforms essential to unlock further monetary aid.
The measures are for 2013/14 and include new, deep pension cuts and tax hikes, a two-year increase in the retirement age to 67, and laws that will make it easier to fire and transfer civil servants who are currently guaranteed jobs for life.
The violence broke out after protesters tried to break through a barricade to enter the parliament building.
TV footage showed smoke and small fires around the building as protesters threw petrol bombs and police responded with stun grenades.
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is expected to win a close decision, despite intense opposition.
"Today we must confirm Greece's new credibility," Mr Samaras said. "We choose whether we want to stay in the eurozone ... or return to the drachma. That is the choice."
But Panagiotis Lafazanis, of the main opposition Syriza, said: "You are throwing people onto to the street, people who need a few more years till they get their pensions.
"What will happen to them? Will they starve? This is an illegal and unconstitutional law."
Public transport has been halted, schools banks and government offices were shut down and rubbish is piling up on the streets on the second day of a nationwide strike.
Parliament staff had delayed the vote after going on strike to protest against wage cuts.
what do you think?
Adrian Wagstaff
I totally agree with the people of Greece. Their rulers are very wealthy with billions of all currencies and very wealthy friends all around the World. There is and never has been, any reason, whatsoever, for ANYONE, anywhere to be POOR. The government of Greece is WEALTHY enough to make their people the same. It is the same the World over. Enough ... I say THIS: Enough of all the lies.
TIM x
Sorry but as I have said many times it's the euro and austerity or the Drachma and a slow recovery. The devalued currency would bring a lot of tourism and create more jobs. The people voted for the euro so they have to accept the cuts.
Val Bonney
Maybe, Tim - but they were fooled and lied to by a totally corrupt government.
Lorgar Aurelian
Smash up your own country, that'll save money. Typical Med European thinking. Do a full day's work, you'll find that helps too.
bjnk
Lorgar, dont you read the unemployment figures for Greece which is over 25%, so your 'do a full days work' comment is a little silly.
joelle cooke
Violence,smashing up your own infrastructure,more violence,the mentality of many young Greeks, is just destructive,and is not helping at all!
Paul Grice
All to keep the Germans happy KILL OFF THE EU NOW
Micheal Booth
And to think Civilisation the world started in Greece!!!
leslie lee
to return to the drachma would see an almost immediate boost to the country as well as placating the young ...who will be the future of greece as will our own youngsters here . destroy the youngs ability to look forwards and the entire countrys future is in jeopardy ......... camoron .... take note
KneecapsNorman
5:58pm on 7/11/2012
the people in these countries (greece, spain, italy etc) have had it far too easy for a long time. so now they have to endure some cutbacks. tough!
Val Bonney
7:38pm on 7/11/2012
Actually, that's not quite true, I'm afraid. The Greek government is totally corrupt - lied to get into the EU and has misspent billions of the country's money, and has now passed a law preventing themselves from being prosecuted! The people themselves work incredibly hard for a pittance and have to pay very high prices for everything, including medical bills. There is also no social security over there - if you don't work, you don't get ANY money and have to rely on family and friends to support you ... or beg on the streets. Work is hard to come by and there are now soup kitchens opening even in the islands, which have always been relatively free of poverty. Having recently returned from Greece, I have seen this for myself ... these good people are in a terrible state right now.
KneecapsNorman
8:56pm on 7/11/2012
the people in these countries work about 2hrs a day and yet they have had a much better standard of living than us even though we all work long hours (those of us that work)
Val Bonney
9:02pm on 7/11/2012
On what evidence do you base that assertion, Norman?
stuart walmsley
9:05pm on 7/11/2012
They were lured into the euro-trap like many other economies. Great idea ..not !
Lorgar Aurelian
11:37pm on 7/11/2012
Dead right Norman. These Med countries are all the same.
Robinson56Chris
10:57am on 8/11/2012
'KneejerkNorman and Lorgar are simply making it up as they go along - 'work two hours a day, get a grip on reality. Well said Val. don't try and have a reasoned debate with two people who are just filled with spite, hate and prejudice. They're just nonsense.