Greek Austerity Protests

From 2010 to 2012, Greece saw some of the largest and most sustained protests in its modern history, as the government introduced harsh austerity measures required by the country's bailout agreements. Trade unions called dozens of general strikes, shutting down public services, transport and businesses. On 5 May 2010, during a massive demonstration in Athens, protesters set fire to a Marfin bank branch, killing three employees trapped inside, including a pregnant woman. In 2011, inspired by protests in Spain, a movement known as the Indignant Citizens, or Aganaktismenoi, occupied Syntagma Square outside the Greek parliament for several weeks, with daily demonstrations attracting hundreds of thousands of people. Protests often ended in violent clashes between police and demonstrators, and police were criticized for heavy use of tear gas. In February 2012, as parliament voted on the second bailout, riots broke out in central Athens, and dozens of buildings were set on fire. The protests reflected widespread anger at falling living standards, unemployment and the political establishment, contributing to the collapse of the traditional two-party system and the rise of new parties.