Now That Austerity Measures Are Passed, Trouble Brews In Greece

The Grecian Parliement has passed the austerity package, easing the pressure on Greek government bonds, but the passage has led to demonstrations and other troubles.

Striking Greek workers shut down transport and tried to storm parliament as lawmakers passed 4.8 billion euros ($6.5 billion) in budget cuts, including wage reductions, needed to trim the region’s biggest budget deficit....

Tram, rail, subway and bus services shut in Athens and other cities as employees rallied against cuts to bonuses and holiday payments. A walk out by air-traffic controllers forced the cancellation of all 58 flights to and from Athens International Airport between midday and 4 p.m. and the rescheduling of another 135, according to a spokeswoman....

Unsurprisingly, Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou has called for the EU to pony up also.

The article cited above said that a solid majority of Grecian voters oppose two measures in the bill: a rise in the value-added tax and cuts in vacation or bonus pay for government employees. A solid majority also expects more trouble in the coming year.