General strike over new cuts paralyzes Greece
Labor unions in Greece have staged a 24-hour strike across the country against new austerity measures demanded by the country’s international creditors, causing major disruptions in travel and public services.
The walkout on Wednesday shut down maritime traffic for a second day as many flights had to be cancelled or rescheduled and healthcare facilities had to operate on emergency staff.
The leftist government of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras reluctantly accepted to legislate another round of pension cuts and lower tax breaks — applicable in 2019 and 2020 respectively — in a bid to unlock a cash payment ahead of looming debt repayments in July.
Athens is hopeful that the loan payment will be approved in a meeting of eurozone finance ministers scheduled for May 22.
“We want to send a decisive message to the government, the European Union, and the International Monetary Fund that we will not let them cut up our lives,” said a senior member of Communist union PAME, Alekos Perrakis.
Separate protest actions are also planned to be carried out in the capital, Athens, and other major cities throughout the day.
Russia launches 'ICBM' for first time against Ukraine: Kiev
Borrell urges sanctions on Israel for war crimes
Dutch police attack pro-Palestine protesters in Amsterdam, arrest activists
Diplomat discourages recourse to pressure, intimidation, confrontation against Iran
UN: 2024 deadliest year for aid workers amid genocide in Gaza
Gaza health official warns of hospital shutdowns within 48 hours
Israel kills 5 more paramedics in southern Lebanon: Health ministry
Iran to launch ‘new, advanced’ centrifuges in response to IAEA resolution: AEOI
Yemen fires hypersonic missile at Israeli airbase
VIDEO | New Delhi chokes under toxic smog as air quality remains at hazardous levels
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
