The 24-hour strike action taking place in Greece has grasped the attention of the international media. The first union protest since the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) government rose to power in January is viewed as Greek despair at Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ austerity measures as voices of anguish multiply against his government.

French conservative daily newspaper Le Figaro reports that strikes and protests are gathering momentum against Tsipras: “Resistance is increasing against the austerity program… New mobilizations on Thursday, following basic union demands, against austerity. For weeks now seamen, transport workers, students and teachers have been protesting.”

British daily newspaper Guardian’s article, titled “‘Our rage will be relentless’: Syriza faces mass strike in Greece”, reports that Tsipras is under pressure. The newspaper reports: “The prospect of home repossessions for Greeks who fall foul of mortgage repayments will add an incendiary element to a climate already at boiling point.”