HAVING CLOCKED up numerous visits to Athens since Greece’s first bailout deal was signed in May of last year, the troika inspectors who returned to the Greek capital yesterday knew it was never going to be a routine visit.
While their previous trips to Greece have been accompanied by a plethora of protests, strikes and demonstrations, the number crunchers from the country’s international lenders yesterday morning found themselves unable to visit key ministries after outraged civil servants occupied them at the start of their shift.
“Occupation. Enough is enough. We want to live,” declared a banner unfurled from an upper floor of the finance ministry, which overlooks Athens’ central Syntagma Square.
Below at street level, the protesting civil servants, who fear mass layoffs and more pay cuts, made clear their intention to prevent the troika officials from meeting Greek finance minister Evangelos Venizelos, pledging that their blockade would remain in place for 48 hours.
When two low-ranking troika representatives attempted to enter the office block by ducking under a protest banner draped across its half-shuttered entrance, protesters shooed them away, amid booing and chants of “Go Home!”
The team of auditors had arrived in Athens to deliver a verdict on whether the government’s tougher austerity measures qualify for the sixth bailout tranche, worth €8 billion, essential to avert a default that would plunge the country into bankruptcy.
The federation of civil servants, Adedy, said the occupations were taking place “in the face of the barbaric new measures which have been decided and are being decided”.
Despite the occupations that affected up to seven ministries, the planned meeting between Mr Venizelos and the inspection team eventually went ahead, over at the minister’s other state office.
Last night officials described the encounter as “positive and constructive”. Further meetings are planned for today and the weekend between the inspectors and Mr Venizelos.