Punkonomics (@DearBalak)

http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Greeks-Organize-Biggest-Strike-Since-Tsipras-Took-Office-20160204-0025.html

Greeks Organize Biggest Strike Since Tsipras Took Office

Protesters rallied around social security, but its critiques touched on pension and tax reform in light of austerity conditions demanded by European creditors.

A 24-hour general strike in Greece against the “odious plan to dismantle the country’s social security system” shut down transportation, schools, courts, pharmacies and non-emergency hospital services on Thursday.

Up to 100,000 people attended, according to organizers, while police estimated 50,000 hit the Athens streets. The strike is the largest since the leftist Syriza party took power.

"We will reach a stage where we won't be able to make ends meet unless we steal from the state, hide income," said 70-year-old demonstrator George Stathopoulos. Critics estimate that Greeks may lose up to two thirds of their income to the reforms — if they don’t evade the taxes.

Some of the demonstrators — thousands of them anarchists — threw Molotov cocktails and stones at police, who threw tear gas back.

Signs made reference to the “OXI” vote in July against the austerity conditions demanded by the third bailout of European Troika. To satisfy creditors, President Alexis Tsipras must cut 1.8 billion euros from pensions — already cut 11 times since 2010. Avoiding another cut, the government is increasing taxes and contributions to fund social security.