Protesters plan to block Parliament
The protesters who have been flocking to Syntagma Square in central Athens for the past three weeks are planning to form a human chain around Parliament to prevent MPs discussing the government?s midterm fiscal plan, which includes further tax rises and public spending cuts.
The protesters said they are planning to coordinate their action so it coincides with the general strike that has been organized by Greece?s two largest unions, GSEE and ADEDY.
“Now that the government is putting the medium term austerity program to vote, we (will) encircle the parliament, we (will) gather and we (will) stay at Syntagma,» the self-named People’s Assembly of Syntagma Square said in a statement.
“Our first stop is the general strike of June 15th. We won’t stop until they withdraw it.”
Public sector union ADEDY said its members would march on parliament during Wednesday’s strike and join non-union demonstrators in peaceful protest.
“The mid-term plan must not be voted. We want them to change their minds and throw the plan in the bin,» ADEDY Secretary General Ilias Iliopoulos told Reuters.
