Anti austerity measures strike in progress

The workers striking in Greece today could chose their meeting place for the march towards Parliament.
The Communist Party of Greece demonstration was called for Omonia Square. According to tvxs Secretary General Aleca Paparigas is leading the march towards Syntagma Square right now.
The General Confederation of Greek workers (both private and public sectors) are meeting in Pedion tou Areos. Their intention is also to march towards Syntagma Square. According to participants it is a massive and enthousiastic rally.

The news from the rest of Greece are also encouraging for the strikers. In Thessaloniki the march has started, in Pyrgos and other regional capitals shopkeepers are also taking part and especially in PatrasPatras restaurants and coffee shops have closed until 3 o’clock and have set up booths offering free coffee!

Samaras agrees on austerity measures – pending the approval of his government partners

Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras agreed yesterday with the proposals made by his advisors on how to find the 13,2 billion Euros to “save” Greece once again. The gradual increase of the amount from 11.5 billion to 13,2 in less than two weeks is indicative of the uncertainty and fear Greek public experiences daily.
The decision is not final since it needs the approval of Mr. Samaras government partners: PASOK and DIMAR. While PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos keeps a low profile, Fotis Kouvelis of Democratic Left has recently stated that “our party should not be taken as granted”. DIMAR members of Parliament and well-known executives of the party have differentiated their position and discuss voting against the measures in Parliament.
The government wants to pass the austerity measures through parliament by the beginning of October. This will facilitate discussion of the Greek issue during the October 8 Eurogroup meeting.

Today’s strike, coming on top of all the pressure imposed on the populace, is very significant. The size and spirit of the demonstration could be decisive