NEWS

More protests, strikes ahead of major austerity vote

More protests, strikes ahead of major austerity vote

Despite torrential rain, protests continued in Athens for a second day, hours before a major austerity vote in Parliament that would impose additional income losses for many Greeks for another three years.

Hundreds of pensioners marched to parliament Thursday chanting "No more tax theft."

Their protest comes a day after a general strike disrupted services across the country. Ongoing stoppages have kept ferries tied up at port and played havoc with public transport.

Left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is seeking parliamentary approval for pension cuts and tax hikes through 2020, as part of an agreement with international bailout creditors to continue vital loan payouts.

With all opposition parties opposed to the measures, Tsipras is relying on his three-seat majority in the 300-member parliament. So far, there are no declared dissenters. [AP]

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