The mass rally held last Wednesday in Athens, Greece as the people’s response to the struggling money market led to violence in the streets. The police said there were about 33,000 people who attended the picket although organizers of the rally said they were expecting about 100,000. It was considered the foremost labor rally this year as different unions were not really happy with austerity measures being implemented by the government.
The Greeks have experienced a lot of disadvantages from far-reaching expense reductions and tax increases not to mention changes in terms of regulations involving the work sector. Anestis of GSEE said during interview that if these kinds of unpleasant policy changes don’t stop, the rallies and protests also won’t stop. Anestis regarded these government measures as not fair and harsh not to mention inflicting destabilization in Greece’s social structure.
The rally involved workers from different sectors like doctors, lawyers and teachers. What started out as a peaceful protest turned out violent in the end causing the closure of the main district as well as business establishments. It lasted 24 hours and also led to transportation problems including train and flight cancellations. Policemen as well as protesters alike were both hurt ending with 9 protesters arrested and 15 members of the police injured.
Prime Minister George Papandreou meanwhile expressed his sympathy for those who joined the picket peacefully. He regarded the economic situation in Greece as tough and remarked that actual decisions are needed to fix the issues brought about by the problematic money market.
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