Thousands of Greek demonstrators have begun gathering in front of the parliament in Athens at the start of a 48-hour general strike. Union leaders called for the strike to protest against deep budget cuts demanded by international lenders as the price for more financial aid. The Greek parliament is due to vote this week on a package of spending cuts, tax increases and privatizations agreed as part of a massive bailout aimed at averting the eurozone’s first default. Greek protesters have condemned the government’s plans.

Nektarios Amartzis, singer: “These measures are destroying the Greek people. Unfortunately, the measures will be passed through parliament. The people on the outside must not accept them. Whatever they vote inside, we must not accept it in any form, because the people are suffering, and our children will suffer.”