Pushing and throwing incidents took place outside the parliament complex, where thousands of residents gathered to express objection to the saving measures proposed by the Government of Greece. The mass of demonstrators at first tried to blockade the parliament and prevent members of parliament went into the building. Police finally managed to insulate the streets towards Syntagma Square and the opening track for the people's representatives.
Some demonstrators then pelted the police, who tried to chase them, with stones and yoghurt in Syntagma Square. Police retaliated by firing tear gas into the mass.
The demonstration raised by the movement calling itself The Indignants (Angry People) as well as union activists.
Greek unions also launched a strike, including in hospitals, banks, public transport, and broadcasting. Thousands of workers from public and private sectors comply with the call for general strike which is a similar action a third time in Greece this year. However, the airport operates as usual after officials canceled the air traffic controllers strike them.
Prime Minister of Greece George Papandreou asked for the support of parliament to pass a new savings program worth 28 billion euros that will apply from 2012 until 2015. In a related development, the credit rating agency Standard & Poor's lowered the rating of Greece to the state level which at least deserve a loan of 131 countries they monitor.
The Greek government said the decline in ratings from B to CCC by Standard & Poor's put aside the country's efforts to ensure that the funding could be obtained. Greek Parliament must approve the new savings plan proposed by the government no later than the end of June for the next rescue aid package can be met.
