Greek farmers hold protest rally over tax hikes, pension cuts

Thousands of Greek farmers took to the streets of Athens on Wednesday in protest of a new round of tax hikes and pension cuts promoted by the government as part of efforts to tackle its debt crisis.

About 10,000 farmers from all over the country marched to the parliament to protest the changes agreed with Greece's international lenders in return of further bailout aid to Athens.

Protesters argued government policies would dramatically deteriorate their already fragile financial situation after several rounds of austerity measures implemented in recent years.

The current Leftist government was first elected in January and reelected in snap polls in September. 

They have previously said there were no other options for Greece at this period but the implementation of more difficult measures to avert default and gradually return to growth.

The farmer's rally ended in minor clashes between demonstrators and police forces, when a group of farmers tried to enter the parliament building to deliver a resolution.

Protesters pelted plastic bottles of water and oranges while policemen fired tear gas.
 Xinhua - globaltimes.cn
  18/11/15