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Greece stages anti-austerity general strike Greece general strike sees tighter Athens security
(about 1 hour later)
Trade unions in Greece have begun the first general strike since the country's conservative-led coalition government came to power in June.Trade unions in Greece have begun the first general strike since the country's 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. Thousands of people have begun converging on parliament for protests.
The action in Greece follows a series of demonstrations in Spain and Portugal, which are also facing stringent austerity measures.
  • On Tuesday, police in Madrid fired rubber bullets during clashes with protesters outside parliament. 38 people were arrested and 64 injured
  • The Bank of Spain said the country's recession was deepening at a "significant pace". Madrid will announce further austerity measures on Thursday
  • Portugal is holding an extraordinary cabinet meeting after big protests forced the government to withdraw a plan to hike employees' tax rates
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.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 proposing to save money by slashing pensions and raising the retirement age to 67.
But it has also urged the troika representing Greece's lenders - the European Commission, the European Central Bank (ECB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - to give it an extra two years to push the austerity programme through.
On Tuesday the Greek finance minister, Yannis Stournaras, put a price on that delay for the first time - saying it would in effect cost as much as 15bn euros.
Fears of violenceFears 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. Banks and historic sites in Athens remained shut on Wednesday, with many shopkeepers expected to close up early so they could attend demonstrations.
Schools and government services were also closing down, though buses were still running, reportedly to help ferry people to the protests.
The strike 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 seen during 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. That money is paid in instalments, but correspondents say the donors are reluctant to stump up the latest slice, as they feel Greece has not made enough effort to meet its defeicit-reduction targets. Greece was given a 110bn-euro package in May 2010 and a further 130bn euros in October 2011. That money is paid in instalments, but correspondents say the lenders are reluctant to stump up the latest slice, as they feel Greece has not made enough effort to meet its deficit-reduction targets.
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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