Union cuts power in Greek debts protest

A Greek electricity workers’ union has flipped the switch on the country’s health ministry building in Athens in protest at unpaid state bills.

A union statement said the four-hour power cut was decided as the ministry owes the Public Power Corporation (PPC) €3.8m.

It said the state has run up a total debt of €141m.

The ministry said the building was expected to be reconnected at noon (10am Irish time).

The PPC workers’ union is protesting over a new property tax which is being levied through household electricity bills – with people who do not pay facing the prospect of having their power supply cut.

Greece is caught in a major debt crisis, and faces bankruptcy within weeks unless it approves a new international bailout deal.