Violence breaks out in Greece as unrest over economy continues
Violence breaks out in Greece as unrest over economy continues
Friday, 05, Mar 2010 04:15
By Richard James.
Greek police have clashed with protestors in Athens today as anger over the current state of the country's economy continues to cause unrest.
At least people two are reported to have been arrested after stones were thrown at riot police, with officers responding to the clashes by firing tear gas at the demonstrators.
The crowd, numbering around 12,000, had been protesting against the ?4.8 billion (£4.3 billion) in cuts outlined by the government in an attempt to allow the country's ailing economy recover from debts totalling some ?300 billion (£271 billion).
Elsewhere, two of Greece's main unions have announced a new general strike for March 11th protesting against austerity cuts which critics claim are "anti-popular" and "barbaric".
Opinion polls in the country show strong opposition to the planned measures, including higher VAT and a freeze on public pensions.
Today's violent unrest came as Greek prime minister George Papandreou travelled to Germany to met with chancellor Angela Merkel with the aim of persuading her to provide greater EU support for Greece.
His attempts may be met with firm opposition though, with Germany's economy minister Rainer Bruederle declared the government "does not intend to give one cent" in financial aid to Greece.
Watch footage of the protests