Greece paralyzed by protests

For austerity plan:

Greece: More than 10.000 public officials protested in Greece on Wednesday against the austerity plan proposed by the government to confront the financial crisis shaking up the European nation.

In response to the call launched by the public officials union ADEDY, the massive strike paralyzed the air transportation, closed schools and denying access to different services throughout the country.

Worker slammed the measures which the Giorgios Papandreou Government plans to reduce the fiscal deficit below three percent of GDP by 2012 from 12.7 percent in 2009.

The announced restructuring of the pension system and the prohibition of early retirement produced this week a wave of protests which on Feb 24 will involve in a national strike the private sector.

Surveys show despite the dissatisfaction of some sectors, most of the Greek population agrees on the need to implement the measures as long as they are fair.

The Government's plan includes a wage-freeze and tax increases.

According to official sources, Athens requires about 53 billion euros in 2010 to cover its enormous budget deficit and refinance debt. - Athens, Thursday, Prensa Latina