Thousands of Greek workers staged a 24-hour general strike on Wednesday, protesting soaring living costs, stagnant wages, and an escalating housing crisis. Organized by major labour unions, the strike coincided with the government’s presentation of its 2025 budget, aiming to amplify workers’ demands for economic reforms.
The strike caused significant disruptions, halting public transport and leaving ferries idle at ports. In Athens, around 12,000 demonstrators marched through the city, while another 5,000 protested in Thessaloniki.
Protesters expressed frustration with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government, accusing it of neglecting workers’ needs in favour of military spending and NATO obligations. “Millions are spent on defence, yet we struggle with unaffordable housing and stagnant wages,” one demonstrator said. Others called for wage increases, better working conditions, and policies to tackle inflation and the housing crisis, which disproportionately affects young people.
Public-sector workers, including medical staff and educators, joined the strike, demanding the restoration of collective labour agreements and wage increases after years of austerity measures during Greece’s financial crisis.
“Our incomes remain frozen, while the cost of everything else rises,” said Yannis Panagopoulos, head of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece. “We need real solutions to protect workers’ livelihoods.”
Greece’s financial crisis, which began in 2010, forced the country to implement severe austerity measures tied to international bailouts. Although the economy has since returned to growth and regained investment-grade status, many citizens feel excluded from the recovery, with inflation and high debt levels continuing to strain households.
The strike underscores a growing sense of economic discontent, as unions push for immediate action to address inflation, ensure fair wages, and alleviate the housing crisis threatening workers’ quality of life.
