General Strikes in Greece Slow Country

Crowds of people march through the streets during a 24-hour general strike on Feb. 24, in Athens, Greece. Greece ground to a halt and flights were grounded as unions staged a one-day general strike in protest against the Government's austerity measures designed to contain the massive public deficit. (Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)

Big waves of protests paralyzed daily life in Greece. The EU country is currently struggling in deep financial crisis.

Airline controllers began to strike overnight, followed by ferry and train transport workers. Government offices and most schools were closed, while doctors treated only urgent cases. TV and radio stations didn’t broadcast news about the strike, as reporters themselves joined in.

Trade unions called for the 24-hour strike to protest against the new government austerity measures aimed at reducing the budget deficit. Greece’s newly elected prime minister said the belt-tightening is necessary to revitalize the economy.

EU leaders agreed last week to help Greece, which is also a member of the eurozone, a 16-states union that use euro currency.