A nationwide general strike to protest against continued austerity measures has shut down services across Greece, grounding flights, leaving ferries tied up in ports, shutting down schools and leaving state hospitals with only emergency cover.

The 24-hour stoppage is also disrupting public transport in Athens, jamming traffic. Two protest marches are planned for the centre of the capital later.

Greece has been dependent on billions of euros in international bailouts from the eurozone and International Monetary Fund since 2010. In return, it has had to cut spending and raise taxes to reform the economy

Unions called the strike ahead of a parliamentary debate next month on the country's 2015 budget, which includes the continuation of the austerity measures.

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