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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Merkel visit to Greece sparks protests





German Chancellor Angela Merkel got a hostile reception from many ordinary Greeks Tuesday when she flew into Athens on her first visit to the country since its debt crisis erupted three years ago.

To get the loans, it has implemented a series of deep budget cuts and tax hikes, while increasing retirement ages and facilitating private sector layoffs.

Merkel's stop in Athens was welcomed by the Greek government as a much-needed boost for the country's future in Europe - but protesters viewed it as a harbinger of further austerity and hardship.


READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.sfgate.com