Greeks protest another bailout

2012-02-07 16

Riot police fan out in front of Greece's parliament in Athens.

Although the protesters were pushed back, they refused to leave, challenging police several times.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the capital on Tuesday to voice their anger over yet more austerity measures.

The government is in talks to receive another 130 billion euro injection into the economy.

But the bailout comes with strict austerity measures that union leaders and everyday Greeks say will hurt the economy worse.

Many professions supported the protest by striking, leaving tourists stuck outside the Acropolis gates.

But some say they sympathise with the indebted Greeks.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) TOURIST FROM BRITAIN, BAILEY SCOTT

"I think it's fair. I think they are entitled to strike if they want to. Obviously there is quite a lot of unrest going on at the moment. But it's up to them, they are entitled to do it. They are allowed to show hope they feel about it. So, that's fine."

If Athens declines the aid, it could default on its loans and risk its continued membership in the euro zone.

The country has until February 15 to get the necessary approval from all stakeholders to make its March 20 payment on time. .

Jessica Gray