Greek Protestors Rally Against Govt Austerity Package

During May 1 demonstration against the government's anti-crisis measures, Greek protesters clashed with riot police. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Thousands of angry protesters gathered in the Greek capital Athens to rally against the government's austerity package on International Labor Day.

Anger amidst Greek citizens continues to grow at the cuts the country faces (including a major overhaul of the taxation and social security and pension systems) if it is to avoid a devastating debt default.

The cuts were demanded by the International Monetary Fund and the European Union in return for a rescue package that will prevent Greece from defaulting on its enormous debt obligations.

The IMF and the European Union are expected to announce Sunday whether Greece will receive a three-year bailout of EUR 100-120 B.

EUR 45 B of the money will be provided during the first year of the bailour period.

There is huge public resistance to the wage cuts, tax rises and pension reductions that are expected to be implemented.

Greek railroad went on a 24-hour strike Friday and only international trains continued to run as scheduled.

Shipping companies in Greece also called a one-day strike ion Friday which halted nearly all ferry sailings in coastal waters.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is expected to announce details of the cuts once the rescue package is approved.

He says the loan is essential to save the country and protect its future, and has warned citizens to brace themselves for a period of hardship.

He has said he will not weaken despite opposition and the political cost of the unpopular measures.

Protesters in Athens clashed Friday with police as a group tried to force its way into the Greek finance ministry.

Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd as the unrest flared over austerity measures that may be taken in return for a massive bailout deal.

A police source said: "Around 500 people were demonstrating and some of them tried to break through a police cordon guarding the ministry."

There were also reports of further clashes erupting outside the parliament building in the city on Thursday night, the BBC reported.

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