Talks between international inspectors and the Greek government on a deal for fresh aid Friday became increasingly overshadowed by anti-reform protests and resistance from state-owned companies.
Angry about deeper austerity measures to qualify for new aid, demonstrators in central Athens continued to block access to the country’s finance ministry, forcing the talks to be held at another location nearby for a second day running.
At the Transport Ministry, dozens of employees prevented senior members of an international inspection team from reaching the minister. When Yannis Ragousis did later meet them elsewhere he assured them the government would not be swayed by protests.
“At a time when we are asking millions of Greeks to make sacrifices, it is our moral duty not to bow to special interests,” the minister was quoted as saying by an aide.
Nurses from state hospitals were also striking Friday, while retired military personnel staged a demonstration in front of the defense ministry–forcing their way past the gate–to protest cuts in their pensions.
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