Greece: Peaceful anti-austerity rally in Athens attracts thousands
- 9 years ago
A pro-government, anti-austerity rally outside the Greek parliament in Athens has attracted between 3,000 and 5,000 people, estimates suggest.
Demonstrators chanted in support of newly-elected Finance Minister, Yanis Varoufakis.
One slogan circulating was:
“Merkel sees you and snaps like a twig. Well-played Yanis Varoufakis,” referring to the German Chancellor who has been a driving force behind Greece’s bailout measures.
Spontaneously organised via social media, the gathering was the first major anti-austerity rally since the left-wing Syriza party came to power.
The rally came after the European Central Bank announced it would push forward the date on which the eligibility of Greek bonds used as collateral would be restricted.
Thousands in anti-austerity pro-government demo today in Athens #Greece, as a response to ECB’s decision. #syriza pic.twitter.com/hWxDypzrcs— SYRIZA London (@SyrizaLondon) February 5, 2015
One man said:
“We want our government to support the mandate
Demonstrators chanted in support of newly-elected Finance Minister, Yanis Varoufakis.
One slogan circulating was:
“Merkel sees you and snaps like a twig. Well-played Yanis Varoufakis,” referring to the German Chancellor who has been a driving force behind Greece’s bailout measures.
Spontaneously organised via social media, the gathering was the first major anti-austerity rally since the left-wing Syriza party came to power.
The rally came after the European Central Bank announced it would push forward the date on which the eligibility of Greek bonds used as collateral would be restricted.
Thousands in anti-austerity pro-government demo today in Athens #Greece, as a response to ECB’s decision. #syriza pic.twitter.com/hWxDypzrcs— SYRIZA London (@SyrizaLondon) February 5, 2015
One man said:
“We want our government to support the mandate