Greece: general strike and demonstrations against the explosion in the cost of living
Audio 01:19
Demonstration in Athens against rising prices and to demand higher wages during a 24-hour general strike on April 6, 2022. AFP - LOUISA GOULIAMAKI
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
Administrations closed, public transport paralyzed.
In Greece, some 10,000 demonstrators gathered in the heart of the capital, in the context of a general national strike this Wednesday, April 6, at the call in particular of the two main trade unions in the country.
The participants called in particular for an increase in wages.
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With our correspondent in Athens,
Joël Bronner
Main reason for dissatisfaction: inflation and the high cost of living.
In February, annual inflation in Greece reached a peak of more than 7% – the strongest rise in 25 years – due in particular to soaring energy prices.
Since September, the Greek government has spent more than 3.5 billion euros to cushion this increase for individuals and businesses.
Aid which therefore did not prevent inflation from soaring.
Kiriakos Psitopoulos, taxi driver, discusses the issue of gasoline:
A simple example.
Before, I put 20 euros of gasoline a day in my taxi.
Now for the same number of kilometers I need 40. My costs have doubled
Soaring energy prices, in turn, have an impact on everyday products, as pointed out by this student who says she is now forced to work in parallel in a clothing store to make ends meet.
Electricity, products like bread or cheese... In fact, absolutely everything has increased.
With only 500 or 600 euros per month, we can no longer get by
Christos introduces himself with a simple first name.
He who belongs to a union of book trades specifies that in recent months, electricity bills have multiplied at least by two.
This situation reinforces the growing contrast between the elites, who take all the money, and the people, who have nothing left.
That's why we're on the street
What give him also the impression that the economic crisis has never really ended in Greece.
►Read again: In Greece, a major demonstration against inflation in Athens
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Greece
Social issues
Economic crisis