Thousands of demonstrators in Athens and Thessaloniki participated in a 24-hour general strike on Wednesday, protesting against soaring living costs, low wages, and unaffordable housing. Public services and parts of Greece’s transport network, including ferries and metro services, were disrupted as workers across various sectors joined the strike.
The Greek General Confederation of Labour described the action as a response to the government’s inaction on ensuring a decent standard of living for workers. European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) leader Esther Lynch emphasized the urgency of addressing inflation, housing affordability, and wage stagnation.
Rising prices, particularly for food and housing, have fueled anger across Greece, where low wages are prevalent. Inflation reached 2.4% in October, adding to the burden. Unions have staged multiple strikes this year, criticizing the conservative government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who recently pledged to raise minimum wages and pensions starting January.
The protest underscores growing frustration over economic challenges and a call for immediate government intervention to improve living conditions.