A nationwide strike crippled Greece's public sector once again Thursday as the parliament was expected to pass a pension system reform bill.



As lawmakers debated the bill, about 12,000 protesters gathered in front of the parliament building, peacefully shouting slogans such as "Get the money you stole back" and "We do not cry, we do not get afraid, we will block your measures."



The demonstration ended peacefully, in contrast with previous rallies that escalated into clashes and chaos. A civilian was injured by a group of protesters who thought him to be a undercover police officer.



Although the turnout was relatively low, disruptions were caused in the function of public agencies. Hospitals ran on emergency personnel, dozens of domestic and international flights were cancelled, ships remained stuck in ports and trains stood idle.



The reform plan, presented by the government, proposed to reduce pensions and increase retirement age to 65 in order to steer Greece through the economic crisis that has hit the country hard.



Yet labor unions that represent 2.5 million employees across the country denounced the measures. Thousands of civil servants, private sector employees, pensioners and students vowed during the demonstration to "struggle to the end."



Protesters said that the government should seek the needed funds from corrupt state officials and tax evaders.



The parliament was due to vote on the bill later in the day. Despite strong opposition, lawmakers okayed the plan in a preliminary vote on Wednesday, in a sign that it was likely for the reform bill to survive the final test.



Greece is under heavy pressure from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to carry out reforms quickly.



A group of experts was expected in Greece later this month to check on the progress made so far on the implementation of necessary stability policies. That's before Greece can receive the next installment of financial aid from the EU and the IMF.



Source: Xinhua



