Greek lawyers in Athens decided to hold a three day strike starting on Wednesday, protesting against the government’s plan to open the legal sector to competition and implement other reforms, complete reforms left unfinished by the previous government, and impose new rules for the payment of tax arrears.
The main problem appears to be the Troika’s request, which Greece has followed, to open up “closed” professions such as that of lawyers, previously subject to high barriers to entry and strict regulations. Now, the opening of the profession will increase competition and potentially drive lawyers’ fees down, but at the same time create new jobs for many people barred from law before.
Meanwhile, bar associations around the country were expected to determine their own strike action on Wednesday.
The Athens Bar Association said its members would continue to work during the strike period on certain emergency cases, including property seizures, and cases with an expiring statute of limitation.
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