Much of Greece has shut down today, as a nationwide strike paralyses daily life. Public- and private-sector unions called on about half the five million-strong workforce to down tools in protest at falling living standards and job cuts.

The absence of bus services during the morning rush hour caused huge traffic jams. A shutdown of the metro system simply added to the problems. Schools, hospitals and government ministries also shut their doors, while ports and airports were idle. More than 200 international and domestic flights were cancelled, while crucial ferries remained tied up at the dockside. More chaos is predicted during this evening’s rush hour.More about: Greece

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