Greek anti-riot police fired tear gas at 10,000 protesters outside Parliament yesterday after youths hurled firebombs as a general strike against the bankruptcy-threatened government turned ugly.
The escalation came as EU President Herman Van Rompuy warned of “decisive” hours for the world economy ahead of a vote being taken by Greek lawmakers today on tax rises, spending cuts and a raft of cheap sell-offs demanded by European backers.
Police said 21 officers were hurt in the clashes but only a handful of arrests were made despite firebombs setting property ablaze and tear gas hanging heavily in the air around the giant Syntagma Square that houses Parliament.
Unions had ordered a blanket, 80-minute power cut that plunged Athens into a communications dark age on the first day of a 48-hour mass stoppage that grounded planes and ships and brought most public transport in Athens to a halt.
Clashes broke out around 3 p.m. yesterday when youths protesting Prime Minister George Papandreou’s latest austerity measures, set alight bins and attacked a McDonalds restaurant.
As the pressure built, Mr Van Rompuy said “the coming hours will be decisive – crucial for the Greek people, but also for the eurozone and the stability of the world economy”.,
He told the European Parliament that “Europe is not the source of the problems,” blaming a decade of failed political leadership in Greece and “massive tax fraud”.
Protesters determined to block passage of austerity measures, a condition for emergency financial aid needed to prevent default, said Europe was imposing its will on Athens.
“We don’t want your money Europe,” Iamando, 36, said on the square outside the legislature that has been a magnet for nearly seven weeks for anti-government demonstrators. “Leave us alone – please, please, please.”
Police flooded the area with 4,000 officers – leaving traffic unable to circulate in central Athens. Some wore full anti-riot gear and came in battle-buses equipped with water cannon.
“They attacked us on June 15, but we fought back and we will do the same again,” said Felipe, a 23-year-old student of Spanish origin.
Only metro drivers decided not to strike, to allow Athenians to swell protest numbers. Flights were cancelled or delayed, and at the port of Pireus, near Athens, about 200 militant unionists staged a picket to prevent ferries from leaving. Banks, too, were closed and hospitals operated with reduced staffing.