Tear gas and Molotov cocktails fired during strike in Greece

Tear gas and Molotov cocktails have been deployed during a demonstration in Syntagma Square, Athens, where a general strike is taking place.

Clashes have broken out between Greek police and youths throwing fire bombs and stones, according to AP.

The protesters are demonstrating against pension reforms that are part of Greece’s third international bailout.

The leftist government is aiming to overhaul the system by increasing social security contributions to avoid pension cuts. However, critics are angry, stating that the reforms will cause many to lose two-thirds of their income to contributions and taxes.

The nationwide general strike has led to canceled flights, ferries, and public transport. Schools, courts, and pharmacies have also shut down, and public hospitals have been left with emergency staff.

The strike is one of the biggest that Greece has seen since 2010, and the most significant that the government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has seen since it came into power about a year ago.