Greek truckers protest against liberalisation

Greek truckers marched in Athens on Tuesday to protest against a bill which would open their sector to greater competition, a key reform under a multi-billion euro EU/IMF bailout plan. About 2,000 truck drivers chanting "Thieves, thieves, thieves" and holding banners reading "Hands off our trucks" marched to parliament.
Lawmakers are expected to vote on the bill, which cuts the price of licences to own and operate trucks, on Wednesday. Road freight is one of the most closed sectors in the country. "We will not stop until they come up with a new plan that satisfies us and them," protester Christos Stravoyannis said. Greece, whose huge deficits prompted a sovereign debt crisis in Europe this year, is under pressure from its international lenders to liberalise restricted professions and make the debt-laden economy more competitive.