Anger grows among Greeks over austerity measures

Greeks have taken to venting their frustration over the country’s economic plight by hurling yoghurt and verbal abuse at ruling socialist legislators.

Greek deputy development minister Socrates Xynides dived behind his police escort on Thursday night in the northern city of Larissa to avoid being splattered by voters for the second time this week.

The same evening, police blocked off streets in an Athens suburb to stop the Door-to-Door protest group from shouting insults outside the home of Christos Papoutsis, a former European commissioner who serves as citizens’ protection minister.

An escalation of such incidents since Greece’s parliament approved a fresh austerity package of tax increases and spending cuts in return for a second international bailout highlights the increasingly angry mood.

“One reason for this situation is that politicians haven’t managed to rebut the populist claim that they have stolen from the people and driven Greece into bankruptcy,” said Takis Michas, a social commentator.

The incidents have come as Greek lawmakers prepare to spend time in their constituencies during the summer break, attending cafe discussions, festivals and religious celebrations.

Source and full story: Irish Times, 9 July 2011