ATHENS, Greece — Greek protesters turned violent, hurling molotov cocktails and bottles at police in central Athens Wednesday after an anti-austerity rally.
Riot police used tear gas and pepper spray against several hundred demonstrators after the violence broke out near the country’s parliament, according to Associated Press. Protesters set fire to trees in the National Gardens and reportedly used hammers to smash paving stones and marble panels to use as missiles against the riot police.
Tens of thousands joined the union-organized march in central Athens, held during a general strike against new austerity measures. The action, the first large-scale walk-out since the country’s coalition government was formed in June, closed schools and disrupted flights and most services.
Greece’s politicians have struggled to balance public sentiment with the demands of its creditors. Greece has been dependent on international loans from other eurozone countries like Germany and the International Monetary Fund since mid-2010. Greece faces default and an ouster from the 17-country bloc that uses the euro if it does not implement controversial austerity measures. Greece has already endured two years of harsh spending cuts and tax hikes.
Alkis Betses, a hospital employer, participated in the general strike because his wages dropped under austerity. He has seen his monthly salary fall from (EURO)1,300 to (EURO)800 (($1,680 to $1,035), says new cuts will bring it down to (EURO)600 ($775).
“How can you survive on 600 a month, with ever-rising taxes, and continue to pay bills and buy necessary supplies?”
Betses said hospitals have been hard hit by spending cuts, with staff shortages and long delays in doctors’ overtime pay for night shifts.
“The resentment has been there for long before the new measures. Imagine what will happen when they’re made public,” he said.