Close Greek radio, national television

The radio stations and the national television in Greece last night to stop airing respectively, after the government confirmed to the temporary closure of all national broadcasters to lay off about 2,500 employees.

The decision was explained to Athens compliance with cost-cutting measures required by international lenders to "rescue" the country.

The Greek government said the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation, or ERT, will reopen "as soon as possible", with a new staff, more compact. This work is unclear how long it takes and whether all the stations have been restored or not active.

"Congratulations to the Greek government," the broadcaster said in the minutes Antonis Alafogiorgos Last broadcast on a live TV channel of ERT. "This is a great loss for democracy." Meanwhile looked every employee communications and supporters demonstrated outside the headquarters of ERT on the outskirts of Athens.

Before that the Greek government spokesman Simos Kedikoglou said: "ERT is a typical case for the extreme lack of transparency and incredibly wasteful. This must stop now. "

In 2500 the entire staff here will be fired, he Kedikoglou said compensation would be paid and can get back to work when ERT is restructuring towards more compact, the station became a independent waves.

Decision exotic Greek above is the first step directly into the impact of public sector employees after three years to implement the economic austerity policies. Since then, about 1 million workers in the private sector have lost jobs.

The radio channel ERT also stopped broadcasting in many parts of the country from 23 pm local time through.

An announcement by the Greek Finance Ministry confirmed ERT officially disbanded and authorities will "hold" the basis of this group. Riot police were deployed outside the building in many parts of ERT. However, no incidents occurred.