Greece was one of the countries hit hardest by the global recession, and in exchange for Eurozone assistance its politicians agreed to undertake drastic austerity measures including deep cuts in the public sector. The cuts included mass-layoffs, weakened social programs, and changes to pensions. Protests, led by Greece?s unions, renewed this week with the country?s international financer?s inspections approaching next week. Increased instability in the pension system and extremely high unemployment continue to fuel the unrest. Greek politicians continue to communicate hope for stabilizing the pension system and the country.
See "A Promise to Protect Pensions Will Test Greece?s Red Line on Austerity", Niki Kitsantonis, The New York Times, September 18, 2013