Greek Protests Lead To Riots

By: Susan Harris
02/13/2012 10:33 AM ET

Greek protests continue as 120 people were injured this weekend during riots that broke and among the injured included 68 police officers and 70 protesters.

On Monday morning, Greek lawmakers approved harsh new severity measures due to Sunday’s riots that included looted stores, burnt down buildings, and fights with police authorities.

The confrontations began on Sunday afternoon just prior to a historic vote in Parliament of additional deliberation measures. These fights began after over 100,000 protesters went to the parliament to demonstrate against harsh cuts, which would get rid of 1 in 5 civil-service jobs and cut the minimum wage by over a fifth.

According to authorities, 68 police required medical care after being mangled by flying objects such as rocks and gasoline bombs. At least, 70 protesters were also hospitalized, and approximately 67 people were arrested.

In a 199-74 vote, the Bill was approved by lawmakers, who voted in favor of cutbacks, even though there were strong differences between the two main coalition members.

Greece’s bailout creditors requested these cutbacks in return for imperative rescue loans. This historic extraordinary vote will permit the International Monetary Fund to discharge $170 billion in relief loans and make way for Greece’s European partners.

According to Luca Papademos, the Greek prime minister, this was the worst breakdown of violence since 2008.

Source: Greek Riots