SHOTLIST: ATHENS, GREECE (APR. 9, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE MARCHING, CHANTING, CARRYING BANNERS ATHENS, GREECE - APR. 9, 2025: Workers and civil servants in Greece launched a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, demanding immediate government action to combat the surging cost of living that has placed growing strain on households nationwide. The strike, organized by the General Confederation of Greek Workers and the Confederation of Public Servants, was backed by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE)-affiliated PAME trade union. Major disruptions were reported, particularly in Athens, where public transportation came to a standstill. All railway and maritime services were halted, with trains canceled and ships docked at ports across the country. Flight cancellations further complicated travel for locals and tourists alike. In central Athens, thousands marched to the Greek parliament, calling for higher wages and criticizing the government's handling of the economic crisis. Protesters demanded relief from mounting financial pressures, with many retirees joining the rally to urge the reinstatement of the 13th and 14th monthly pension payments scrapped during the 2009 debt crisis. “These payments were vital to our survival,” one retiree said. “Their loss pushed many of us into poverty.” Palestinian flags were also visible throughout the demonstration, as participants expressed solidarity with Palestine amid ongoing Israeli military operations. Similar demonstrations took place in cities including Thessaloniki, where workers and pensioners echoed demands for immediate government intervention to improve living conditions and restore lost benefits.