Greek Workers Stage Nationwide General Strike

On Wednesday, Greece experienced a nationwide general strike as public and private sector workers protested against rising living costs and demanded higher wages. The strike, organized by unions including the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), disrupted transportation, healthcare, and government services across the country, with thousands participating in rallies. Workers have criticized the government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, for failing to address economic inequalities despite the economy's recovery since the debt crisis. Although the minimum wage has been raised to €830 and is set to increase to €950 by 2027, many argue these increases are insufficient to cope with soaring prices in housing, food, and energy. Unions are calling for immediate and substantial pay rises, citing a significant disconnect between economic growth and the living standards of ordinary citizens. As the government submits its 2025 budget, the strike underscores the ongoing struggle of workers facing a persistent cost-of-living crisis.