The saga of austerity, recession and bailouts continues in Greece. Today the nation has been brought to a standstill as the unions call a 48 hour General Strike. The strike is ahead of a crucial vote on more austerity measures, the package would see a further €18bn of cuts and reforms. The measures are required if Greece is to receive the next instalment of bailout money. Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras is under massive pressure to carry the vote through parliament. He has only a slim majority, and politicians are deeply divided over the issue.

The EU is concerned that Antonis Samaras ruling coalition could fall apart, as a collapse in government would most likely see the far left and far right make major gains – both sides are opposed to the EU/IMF imposed austerity conditions.

The far right, Golden Dawn party, has capitalised on the problems in Greece, making huge gains across the country. In some areas where crime is out of control the Golden Dawn lead groups patrol the streets and attack migrants, who they see as the problem. The overstretched police have failed to stop the attacks.

Once prosperous areas of Athens are now “no go” areas as gangs take control and crime increases. Residents are now looking to the Golden Dawn to protect them.