POP-OTA president injured

Unbelievable scenes unfolded just outside Parliament today. Around 50 protesters stormed the forecourt throwing firecrackers. Police forces responded with the use of chemicals.

During the clashes, the president of POP-OTA, Panagiotis Veletzas, was injured by riot police and had to be taken to hospital.

The explosive atmosphere had prevailed since the beginning of the demonstrations by POE-OTA. The rally, attended by almost 600 workers from municipalities of central Athens, started at Omonia Square and ended up outside Parliament.

The workers were joined by about 200 PAME protesters in Omonia and shortly after 12:40, began their march.

In their effort to reach the center, riot police blocked their path, resulting in minor incidents. The protesters tried to approach the Ministry of the Interior through Kolonaki. The police blockade stopped them with the use of chemicals, resulting in an escalation of events.

The protesters attempted to assault former Secretary General of the Finance Ministry, D. Georgakopoulos, who was at a café in the area.

However, some time later, the protesters retreated and headed towards Parliament.

Employees of the POE-OTA are complaining about transfers and working hours, and are requesting that municipality services not be privatized.