- This is the first general strike since Greece's coalition government was formed
- Police: More than 25,000 people gather for protests in Athens
- The strike is organized by the two biggest unions in the country
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(CNN) -- Thousands of Greeks took to the streets Wednesday to protest new austerity measures that critics described as draconian.
The protests -- the first general strike since Greece's new coalition government was formed in June -- come amid the nation's struggling economy and soaring debt.
Greece has agreed to a harsh austerity program and labor market reforms, which have led to violent street demonstrations and crippling unemployment in the past.
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Greek minister sees 'great sacrifices' The Greek government is seeking new ways to implement budget cuts of 11.5 billion euros ($14.49 billion) to ensure the country receives another international bailout installment in October.
More than 25,000 people had gathered for peaceful protests in Athens by early afternoon, said Greek police spokesman Panagiotis Papapetropoulos.
But as large numbers began to assemble in Athens and other cities Wednesday, Constantine Michalos, president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, said he hoped the strikes would not turn violent.
The strike is organized by the two biggest unions in the country and many are tired of years of government-imposed, belt-tightening measures that have not worked, according to Michalos.
"The Greek people have taken up tremendous sacrifices in this time period and it just has not delivered the desired results," Michalos said. "Where we need to concentrate today is not on further austerity measures, because there has been extreme sacrifices made Greek people in the last three years, what we need to is advance growth and stimulate the economy."
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