Thousands of Greeks went on a two-day general strike in Athens on Wednesday, with more than 20,000 demonstrating in the streets against proposed government austerity cuts to secure a eurozone bailout, according to media reports.
In front of the Parliament building, protesters clothed in black threw stones and firebombs at riot police, while police responded with tear gas, according to Reuters. A sentry box occupied by guards was also lit on fire. Several people were injured during the clashes.
The general strike encompasses the public transportation and government sectors, essentially paralyzing the country.
“They won’t save us. With these measures the poor become poorer and the rich richer,” Akis Papadopoulos, a 50-year-old public sector worker, told Reuters, in reference to government austerity cuts.
Wednesday’s protests had an estimated 70,000 participants making it the largest demonstration in Greece this year, according to Radio Free Europe.
Greece is at risk of defaulting on it debt and European leaders have demanded it make reforms in order to receive eurozone funds. Proposed austerity measures include pay cuts, tax hikes, and a loss of public sector jobs.
