Greece is paralyzed Wednesday by a 24-hour national strike called by GSEE, the main private sector labor union, and the Federation of the State Employees, ADEDI.

The strike is organized as a sign of protest against the budget cuts announced by the government. The measures aim at dealing with the severe financial crisis in the country.

Greece’s transport is coming to a stand-still with trains, buses, ships, metro and trolley services canceled while all airports closed at midnight. The largest airlines “Olympic Air,” and Aegean Air,” which just announced a merger, have canceled all flights, including those from and to Sofia.

Customs agents, health workers, educators, state employees, media, bank employees and people in the communications sector are taking part in the strike as well.

Archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, will be closed to tourists.

Greece currently has a public deficit of 12,7%, which is more than four times higher than Eurozone rules allow. Greece's socialist government has pledged to reduce the deficit to 8,7% this year under an austerity plan that involves major cuts in public spending.

At the same time the Cabinet is trying to reduce the EUR 300 B total national debt. The government's deficit reduction plan will freeze public sector salaries, raise the retirement age to 63 by 2015, and increase taxes on petrol, alcohol and tobacco.

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