A general strike is under way in Greece, grounding flights, halting most public services and shutting offices and shops.

The 48-hour strike comes as parliament prepares to vote on the latest round of austerity measures, including more tax hikes, pay cuts and job losses.

Thousands have gathered in Athens to protest, amid tight security.

Greece is struggling to reduce a huge government deficit amid fears it may default and set off a eurozone crisis.

The EU and IMF have demanded tough cuts in return for two bailouts.

The BBC's Chris Morris in Athens says the pace of protests in Greece has been increasing for several weeks.

There have been lightning strikes across virtually every sector of the economy, with rubbish not collected and government ministries blockaded by their own workers.

The strike for Wednesday and Thursday has been called by the two big unions that cover public and private sector workers.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15362678