Greece: Increased security measures in Athens Jan. 10-11 over German chancellor’s visit

Event

Increased security measures have been deployed in the capital Athens over the German chancellor's visit on January 10-11. Around 2000 police officers have been deployed throughout the capital and several streets will be temporarily closed to traffic on January 11, notably around the Syntagma square, the presidential palace, the Marousi district, and the Vassilis Sofias avenue. The Syntagma metro station will also be closed to the public between 08:30 and 11:30 (local time). Some railway itineraries are also likely to be modified. Despite a ban on all demonstrations, protests are possible throughout the day as protesters gathered on January 10 near the Propylaea, prompting the police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Context

The visit of the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, marks the end of several years of tensions between the two countries, as Merkel was widely poorly perceived by the population after she pushed for austerity measures when Greece was on the verge of bankruptcy in 2015. At that time violent protests erupted in the capital against the chancellor.

Advice

Individuals in Athens should avoid all gatherings and anticipate travel disruptions in and around the capital.