Greek lawmakers pass new austerity law despite violent protests

Friday, October 21, 2011

Despite protests where one person was killed, Greek lawmakers voted to pass a new budget-cutting law. The result was 154 in favour to 144 against. The new law would bring in tax hikes and wage cuts.

The law, unpopular with the public, aims to reduce Greece's enormous national debt, which currently stands at 162% of the country's GDP.

Despite a peaceful start to the protest, violent skirmishes erupted between police and some of the protesters. Tear gas was fired, but "these measures are so tough that we won't be scared by a little bit of tear gas," said civil engineer Yiorgos Lenas, 29. "People can't take it anymore."

A 53 year old man, a member of the PAME workers' union, died of a cardiac arrest after participating in the protest.

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Sources

"Greek lawmakers pass new austerity law despite protests" — CNN, October 21, 2011
Reuters. "Greece faces austerity vote, more strikes" — Business Live, October 20, 2011
"Greece OKs austerity measures needed for aid" — The Chicago Tribune, October 20, 2011
"Can Greece ever pay back its debts?" — BBC, 19 October 2011

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Articles presented on Wikinews reflect the specific time at which they were written and published, and do not attempt to encompass events or knowledge which occur or become known after their publication.

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Please note that due to our archival policy, we will not alter or update the content of articles that are archived, but will only accept requests to make grammatical and formatting corrections.

Note that some listed sources or external links may no longer be available online due to age.