Angry Greeks are taking to the streets, demanding the
government back off plans to save the economy by privatizing their government
jobs.
Anger and frustration boiled over into the streets of Athens Thursday, with
workers at state-run companies marching to save their jobs.
One trade union leader, Spiros Papaspiros, warns the proposed austerity
measures will end in disaster.
He says selling off state-run companies will drive up costs and cut off a
needed lifeline for many Greeks.
Still, many officials say something must be done as the economy continues to
stagger. The government said Wednesday the unemployment rate rose to more
than 16 percent in March, and to nearly 43 percent for young people aged 15 to
24.
Despite the vocal opposition, Prime Minister George Papandreou's plans for
higher taxes and more privatization may not be enough.
Greece is already living on last year's $158 billion bailout from the European
Union and International Monetary Fund. And Eurozone finance chief Jean-Claude Juncker
said Thursday "it is obvious" Greece will need a second bailout in
order to survive.