More Greek strikes threatened

08/02/10 20:31 CET

economy

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Greek civil servants have warned of further strikes if the government unveils tough austerity measures to cut its ballooning deficit and public debt.

The public sector union already plans another 24-hour strike on Wednesday. Previous stoppages have closed businesses and disrupted daily life.

However opinion polls published at the weekend suggested most Greeks back the government’s economic policy and consider the fiscal measures already announced as necessary and fair.

This week’s public sector walkout is planned to coincide with Prime Minister George Papandreou putting the finishing touches to a deficit-cutting plan, endorsed by the European Commission.

Papandreou has promised to tighten one of Europe’s most flouted tax systems and freeze public sector wages to pull Greek state finances back from the brink.

The Socialist government’s response to the latest strike will be closely watched by international financial markets.

More about: George Papandreou, Greece, Strike

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