Naming the dead

Naming the dead, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

Greek forest fighters remember colleagues lost over the last few years. They were protesting outside the 74th International Trade Fair for better conditions and an end to the system where they are fired every year only to be rehired the following summer.

Unfortunately, not everyone was moved by their plight, the police who only yesterday were saying that they, too were the victims of government indifference and whim, edgily fingered their riot shields and batons, ready to employ tear gas should the protest advance any further and so spoil the PM's PR gig.

Video by Argos.

Greek PM's arrival in Thessaloniki met with mass protests

Greek PM's arrival in Thessaloniki met with mass protests, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

The arrival of the Greek prime minister, Costas Karamanlis in the northern port city of Thessaloniki was met with demonstrations by trade union, political parties and other groups unhappy with the ruling conservative government.

Under the watchful eye of thousands of riot police protesters marched through the centre of Greece's second city. Although there were a few minor clashes between anti-authoritarian groups and the police the event passed off peacefully.

Following last week's announcement by the prime minister the country is set to go to the polls next month just two years after the re-election of New Democracy. A failing economy, rising unemployment and a series of corruption scandals have eaten away at the government's electoral base.

However, political analysts are still divided over whether the main opposition party PASOK will be able to form a majority government and secure the necessary 3/5 of parliamentary seats needed to elect a president in March. Failing that the country will once again go to the polls.

For video of the demonstration check out Piazzo del Popolo's one.

Massive protests greet Greek PM | Demotix.com

Amidst draconian security measures Greek prime minister arrived in the country's second city, Thessaloniki to give his annual state of the nation address.

With 3000 extra police officers on the streets including 60 platoons of heavily armed riot police the ruling New Democracy party were taking no chances.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to protest a wide range of issues. firefighters, teachers, students, anarchists, cleaners and trade unionists marched through the centre of Thessaloniki under the watchful eye of thousands of police officers.

The nation will go to the polls on the 4th October following the decision last week by the prime minister to call snap elections just two years after being re-elected.

Massive protests greet Greek PM | Demotix.com

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