Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Greeks Protest Low Wages Before 2026 Budget Vote
People in Greece are protesting because they feel their wages are too low to live comfortably.
The government is about to vote on a new budget that includes some tax breaks and aid, but many workers, like doctors and teachers, are striking because they say their pay isn't enough.
Farmers are also protesting because they're waiting for money from the European Union, and some have had to kill their animals because of a disease.
The protests are causing some problems with travel and delivering goods, especially during the Christmas season.
Hundreds of Greeks protested in Athens and public-sector workers went on strike over low wages and cost-of-living issues.
The government announced 1.6 billion euros in tax breaks and aid as part of the 2026 budget.
Farmers are blocking roads to protest delays in EU aid due to corruption investigations and to demand lower fuel costs and protection from imports.
Stockbreeders are calling for quick vaccination of livestock after a sheep pox outbreak led to the culling of hundreds of thousands of animals.
The protests and blockades are causing concerns for businesses, especially during the Christmas holiday season.
- Who
- Greek public-sector workers, doctors, teachers, farmers, and stockbreeders
- What
- Protests and strikes over low wages, cost-of-living crisis, and EU aid delays
- When
- Tuesday, December 16, 2024
- Where
- Athens, Greece
- Why
- To demand higher wages, faster EU aid payments, and support for affected farmers
- Budget Aid
- 1.6 billion euros ($1.89 billion)
- Protest Location
- Central Athens
- Protest Duration
- 24-hour public sector strike
- Farmers' Blockade Duration
- Third week
- EU Aid Delay Cause
- Corruption scandal investigations
- Sheep Pox Impact
- Culling of hundreds of thousands of sheep and goats