Thousands Protest in Greece as Budget Vote Looms

Posted November 11th, 2012 at 2:25 pm (UTC-5)
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Thousands of protesters gathered outside of Greece's parliament as lawmakers prepared to vote on the annual budget which is expected to cut spending and raise taxes as part of a plan to secure foreign aid.

More than 13,000 people marched through the streets of the capital, Athens, Sunday, in demonstrations ending at the city's main square.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the budget around midnight (2200 UTC) or later. It will include some $12 billion in pension, wage and spending cuts.

This latest vote comes just four days after parliament approved a separate austerity measure required by international lenders in order for them to receive some $40 billion in aid.

Without the international loans, Greece could default on debt due to be paid later this month.