No buses, no trams, no metros – another day in Athens

Another weekday, another Greek transport strike. In Athens buses, trams, metros and taxis are all paralysed for the second day running on Tuesday.

The latest one-day stoppage coincides with a parliamentary vote on a property tax, another measure the government hopes will persuade international creditors to release eight billion euros of bailout funds and prevent bankruptcy.

A new poll suggests more than 90 percent of Greeks believe the austerity measures are unfair.

“Unfortunately we are already bankrupted, we can feel it,” said Athens resident Maria Voultsou. “What change can we expect? Unfortunately only for the worse. I cannot foresee anything different. We are desperate. Very desperate.”

In the latest austerity package, the government says it intends to cut public pay and pensions, phase out thousands of civil service jobs and extend the property tax by an extra two years.

Although the government’s majority is slim, the measures are expected to be passed.

Tuesday’s disruption is not confined to the roads. Tax and customs officials, and police officers are all due to stage protests.

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