The Labor Day rallies that took place on Monday in Athens were large in number and dynamic in pulse.

The rally at Syntagma Square, the Greek capital's most important and historic square, ended shortly before 1 pm on May Day with raised fists and the Internationale anthem. Traffic was restored to the streets shortly afterward.

Despite the clouds and rain, demonstrators descended on the center of Athens to commemorate Labor Day, with more than 10,000 gathered in front of the Greek parliament chanting and holding banners.

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In the run-up to the forthcoming parliamentary election on May 21, and with citizens struggling to respond to the energy crisis, Labor Day was of greater than usual importance this year. Many citizens voiced their demands for the government to address the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. 

A large proportion came to Syntagma Square to protest against high unemployment rates among young people, high food prices that demonstrators say are disproportionate to salaries, and the ongoing energy crisis that has resulted in eye-wateringly expensive utility bills.

Another major demand concerned the ongoing bid to clarify the circumstances of the train accident in Tempe on February 28, which claimed the lives of more than 57 people. Protesters criticized the government's handling of the head-on crash between two trains, but also its inaction to prevent it.

The presence of French trade unionists added an extra dimension to this year's anniversary protests. French workers have recently mobilized strongly against President Emmanuel Macron government's social security bill. Greek governments have made several attempts since 2010 to overhaul the country's own pension system, each meeting with significant protest.

At Monday's Athens rally, representatives put up banners saying 'The people will win' in both French and Greek.

Workers on the metro, tram, and electric trains and ferries also participated in a 24-hour Labor Day strike, while buses were also suspended.

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