Greece: Angela Merkel confronts Greek austerity anger at shameful Athens protests

Angela Merkel

Vilified for Greece's punishing spending cuts, Mrs Merkel, the leader of Europe's paymaster, is on her first visit to the eurozone's most indebted nation since the debt crisis erupted almost three years ago.

As she met Greek Prime Minister Antonio Samaras, demonstrators gathered just a few blocks away, some brandishing banners reading "You are not welcome, Imperialisten Raus" (Imperialists out)" or "No to the Fourth Reich".

Two Nazi flags were draped on the steel fence near parliament and set on fire. Sporadic violence also broke out, with small gangs of masked youths throwing bottles at riot police.

Thousands of police were out on the streets and key parts of central Athens were closed off to create a large security zone for Mrs Merkel's meetings with Mr Samaras and President Carolos Papoulias.

Note EU-Digest: referring to the German Government of Angela Merkel as a Nazi regime is not only unheard of but must also be earmarked as despicable behavior of Greek demonstrators. 

People are free to demonstrate in any democratic society but it shows very little intelligence and couth to spit on the hand which is trying to help you solve a problem you actually created yourself. Compliments to Mrs. Merkel for going to Greece.

Read more: Angela Merkel confronts Greek austerity anger at Athens protests | Herald Sun