Resentment simmers as Greece launches debate on pension reforms

[inanna]

Source: Reuters

Tue Jan 26, 2016 9:42am EST

Farmers vowed to step up protests, nurses took to the streets and sailors prepared to strike as anger simmered in Greece on Tuesday over further pension cutbacks that are a condition for the indebted country to receive more international aid.

Amid rallies and protests across the country, Greece's politicians were scheduled to launch discussions in parliament on reforms seeking to cut 1.8 billion euros from its annual pensions bill.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, a leftist who swept to power a year ago, is walking a political tightrope to keep lenders onside to complete an overdue review of reforms, without alienating his electorate altogether.

<snip>

Farmers who have been blocking motorways across the country sporadically for days in protest at plans to cut tax breaks for farming as well as pensions said they would escalate action and bring the country to a standstill unless Tsipras backed down.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-eurozone-greece-reforms-idUSKCN0V41U3?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews

[geek tragedy]

1. walking a tightrope=making mutually exclusive promises to different audiences nt

[bemildred]

2. Don't worry, those reforms will kick in soon and the Greek economy will take off like a new Ford.

[FLPanhandle]

3. Just stop borrowing money and Tspiras won't have to deal with lenders terms & conditions.

Just stop borrowing money they'll never be able to repay.

[JackRiddler]

4. "international aid"

Fuck you, Reuters.