22 Oct 2019 | 08:23 AM UTC
Greece: Nationwide medical strike and protests scheduled October 23-24
Groups to strike and protest development bill in Athens October 23-24; transportation disruptions likely
Event
The POEDIN has called for a 24-hour nationwide strike to commence on Wednesday, October 23, for medical staff to protest a proposed budget cut to the field, which will be accompanied by protests in Athens on the same day and on Thursday, October 23.
The first protest on Wednesday will take place at 08:30 (local time) at Mavili Square. Participants will later march to the Ministry of Health. A second march will take place at 10:00 from the WTO-OTA offices to Karaiskaki Square.
On Thursday, participants will gather for a rally at the WTO-OTA offices
Associated transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence are to be expected near all protests and around all march routes.
Context
The Greek government seeks to spend 5 percent of its GDP on health expenditures, which staff argue is far too low when compared to other European Union countries' budgets at about 7.5 percent. Staff argue that long wait times and lack of necessary tools are a result of such budget cuts.
Advice
Individuals in Greece and particularly Athens are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
