Clashes Erupt in Athens as Government Votes on New Austerity Measures

2017-05-18 3

Clashes erupted outside the Greek parliament on Thursday evening as politicians voted to approve a new round of austerity measures demanded by international creditors for the latest 7.5-billion bailout deal and potential debt relief.

Thousands of protesters had assembled in Syntagma Square for a second day to oppose the new pension cuts and the end of tax breaks. A small group of protesters hurled Molotov cocktails while riot police reportedly fired large amounts of tear gas that sent many fleeing for cover.

On Wednesday, thousands walked out of their jobs and marched to parliament in opposition to the bailout demands.