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Victoria Mindova 

Civil discontent with the policy of the Socialist government of George Papandreou in Greece began to grow with an avalanche speed. New protest gathered thousands of people in the center of Athens in a protest march in spite of the complete paralysis of the capital from the strike of public transport and taxis. Students, teachers at universities, disgruntled citizens, trade unionists, anarchists and even stray dogs once again undertook the familiar route to the parliament to express their wrath by the changes in socio-economic life. 

"We will not surrender, the measures will not pass," called out the angry mob, which met early afternoon in front of the University of Athens. Early in the protest gathered on the sidewalks seen were police special forces which combat social unrest and unlike other times they were in full combat readiness. The protest was led by teachers in state universities who spoke against the change of the new law in higher education. When protesters saw the police with masks and ready to spray tear gas, the crowd got excited. "Out the police from marches!" disgruntled voices cried out. "You have no place among us!" From the back rows heard were blows of the young and their angry cries. 

Young boys with thick sticks with flags and motor helmets in their hands walked behind the boards which read "IMF Out”, "Strikes and blockades for state education", "No Pasaran", "All on the streets against the policy of the IMF and the EU." All were yelling "What you want will not pass". When the crowd approached the parliament building, young and old took out gas masks, which have become an integral accessory of the dress code of the protesters. The angry people with boiling blood and without a clear purpose found themselves face to face with their peers, the police. Like many other times, the adrenaline on Syntagma Square began to rise until something unusual happened. Protestants suddenly withdrew. They gathered in the middle of Syntagma Square and rested. The special police forces surrounded them, but there were no attacks. After about half an hour, police pulled away, but protesters said that the events have not completed. 

At half past six in the evening, a second assembly meeting will be held in front of the Ministry of Finance, which is located opposite the parliament building. To be continued in the following weeks.