Labor unions led by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) gathered in Syntagma Square in Athens, Greece’s capital, to protest the 2022 budget, which is expected to be approved by parliament on Saturday. About 2,000 protesters claimed that the 2022 budget was reduced by 450 million euros compared to the previous budget, saying this cut would affect the entire public sector, including public health.
The budget will be voted on in the session on Saturday, and it is expected to lead to 4.5 percent economic growth in 2022. The budget, which goes into effect on January 1, includes a 2% increase in the minimum wage.
Egyptian media reports that ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, are set to resume next week. Israel is awaiting Hamas’s response to the ceasefire offer.
Israeli and US delegations, who were in Doha for negotiations, have returned home for consultations. The current agreement being discussed includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners, with plans for further talks on a permanent ceasefire and the release of additional hostages.
TR