NewsLab

Tens of thousands of protesters responded to the call for a nationwide strike on Wednesday, against the government’s plans to reform the social security system. An estimated 80,000 people marched through central, in one of the largest labor mobilizations in decades.

The strike shut down hospitals, banks, schools, courts and all public services, bringing the capital to a standstill. Flights were cancelled, and public transportation, including boats connecting the mainland with the islands, ground to a halt. Journalists walked off the job, cancelling television and radio news programmes.

Labour unions oppose government efforts to unify the country’s roughly 170 pension funds, many fearing the move could cut pensions and raise retirement ages. Like other EU countries with ageing populations, Greece is struggling to restructure its pension system before it collapses. Experts say Greece’s fragmented social security system, is expected to collapse in 15 years, if no measures are taken. Greece’s center-right government won re-election in September promising to speed up economic and social reforms. It proposed measures to encourage workers to stay in work beyond the age of 65 and a review of pensions for women and disabled workers. Still, its attempts have uncorked widespread discontent in recent weeks. For many, Wednesday’s nationwide strike is a crucial test for the government’s reform-minded agenda.