Greek pensioners brave the cold to demand free health care and cheapermedicines

Greek pensioners brave the cold to demand free health care and cheaper medicines, a photo by Teacher Dude's BBQ on Flickr.

Other demands included;

 "Cheap heating oil for the People" - signed a Pensioner from Thessaloniki

A reference to the fact that the government has raised the cost of heating oil by 40% in an attempt to raise tax revenues., a move that has led to a drop in consumption of up to 90% in some areas as turn off their central heating despite sub zero temperatures in northern regions of the country.

The situation is further exasperated by the national oil refining cartel, protected by Greek law that means local fuel prices are among the highest in the EU.