October 20, 2011
Greece's attempt to reform itself was marked by death, violence and chaos as mass demonstrations against austerity measures demanded in return for international aid were eclipsed by fierce fighting outside the Athens parliament.
As lawmakers debated the package of job and spending cuts, which was approved on Thursday night, a trade unionist died in clashes only metres away. The man, identified as Dimitris Kotsaridis, a 53-year-old construction worker, was pronounced dead shortly after being tear-gassed in running battles between rival groups that were eventually broken up by police.
"Enough is enough, society is despairing, the country is collapsing," said MP Vasso Papandreou, giving voice to widespread fears that Greece is on the verge of imploding. "I will vote in favour [of the measures] but this is the last time. I am struggling with my conscience," added the deputy, a prominent member of the ruling Pasok party, although no relation to prime minister George Papandreou.
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