Photo Gallery General Strike in Greece

Another general strike in Greece shut the financially beleaguered nation down again on Thursday. Despite violence during the protests, German commentators see some hope in what they perceive as slowly changing attitudes there.
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The general strike on Thursday saw an estimated 20,000 protestors converge on Athens as well as all international transport into and out of the country halted.

Foto: JOHN KOLESIDIS/ REUTERS
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The general strikes on Thursday were some of the most violent Greece has seen in recent weeks.

Foto: Vassil Donev/ dpa
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Greek workers said that they did not think it was fair that they should be made to pay for the crisis and protested against pressure from other euro zone member states.

Foto: Simela Pantzartzi/ dpa
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Protesters clashed with riot police during a demonstration in central Athens.

Foto: Vassil Donev/ dpa
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Larger trade unions, which had a role in organizing the strikes, say the austerity measures will unfairly burden the poor and cause unemployment to rise.

Foto: Vassil Donev/ dpa
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Police responded to stone-throwing protesters -- like this one pictured in front of the Athens Academy -- with tear gas.

Foto: YIORGOS KARAHALIS/ REUTERS
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There have been rifts between leaders of the unions and the union members. During the past week one of those leaders, who had previously supported the government, was attacked during a speech and had to be brought to Parliament for safety.

Foto: LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/ AFP
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The general strike on Thursday also shut down Athens International airport...

Foto: JOHN KOLESIDIS/ REUTERS
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... as well as the port in Piraeus.

Foto: STR/ REUTERS
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A poster calling for public sector employees to participate in the strike. Wages for civil servants will be cut as part of the austerity measures Greece must adopt.

Foto: YIORGOS KARAHALIS/ REUTERS
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Protesters use a banner to block the entrance to an Athens hotel.

Foto: YIORGOS KARAHALIS/ REUTERS