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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Greece set for anti-austerity general strike | Greece set for anti-austerity general strike |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| Trade unions in Greece have called the first general strike since the conservative-led coalition government came to power in June. | Trade unions in Greece have called the first general strike since the conservative-led coalition government came to power in June. |
| Wednesday's 24-hour walkout is to protest at new planned spending cuts of more than 11.5bn euros ($15bn; £9bn). | Wednesday's 24-hour walkout is to protest at new planned spending cuts of more than 11.5bn euros ($15bn; £9bn). |
| The savings are a pre-condition to Greece receiving its next tranche of bailout funds, without which the country could face bankruptcy in weeks. | The savings are a pre-condition to Greece receiving its next tranche of bailout funds, without which the country could face bankruptcy in weeks. |
| Large anti-austerity demonstrations are also planned. | Large anti-austerity demonstrations are also planned. |
| Greece needs the next 31bn-euro instalment of its international bailout, but with record unemployment and a third of Greeks pushed below the poverty line, there is strong resistance to further cuts. | |
| The government of conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is also proposing to slash pensions and raise the retirement age to 67. | The government of conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is also proposing to slash pensions and raise the retirement age to 67. |
| Fears of violence | Fears of violence |
| Workers from a diverse range of sectors are taking part in the strike, from doctors to air traffic controllers. | Workers from a diverse range of sectors are taking part in the strike, from doctors to air traffic controllers. |
| It was called by the country's two biggest unions, which between them represent half the workforce. | It was called by the country's two biggest unions, which between them represent half the workforce. |
| A survey conducted by the MRB polling agency last week found that more than 90% of Greeks believed the planned cuts were unfair and a burden on the poor. | A survey conducted by the MRB polling agency last week found that more than 90% of Greeks believed the planned cuts were unfair and a burden on the poor. |
| The BBC's Mark Lowen in Athens says that, with demonstrations planned, many people fear a repeat of the violence that has hit the streets in previous protests. | The BBC's Mark Lowen in Athens says that, with demonstrations planned, many people fear a repeat of the violence that has hit the streets in previous protests. |
| Thousands of police have been deployed in the centre of Athens to prevent a flare-up. | Thousands of police have been deployed in the centre of Athens to prevent a flare-up. |
| Greece is currently trying to qualify for the next instalment of its 130bn-euro bailout, which is backed by the IMF and the other 16 euro nations. | Greece is currently trying to qualify for the next instalment of its 130bn-euro bailout, which is backed by the IMF and the other 16 euro nations. |
| The country was given a 110bn-euro package in May 2010 and a further 130bn euros in October 2011, but correspondents say its neighbours are reluctant to stump up more money. | The country was given a 110bn-euro package in May 2010 and a further 130bn euros in October 2011, but correspondents say its neighbours are reluctant to stump up more money. |
| Greece needs the next tranche of its bailout to make repayments on its debt burden. A default could result in the country leaving the euro. | Greece needs the next tranche of its bailout to make repayments on its debt burden. A default could result in the country leaving the euro. |
| Are you in Greece? Are you taking part in the 24-hour walkout? Please send us your comments and stories using the form below. | Are you in Greece? Are you taking part in the 24-hour walkout? Please send us your comments and stories using the form below. |
| Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
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