Thousands of Greeks in anti-austerity protest over planned new property tax

Pensioners hold a banner which reads in Greek "Uprising" as they chant anti austerity slogans during a protest in central Athens, on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. Elderly Greeks have faced successive pension cuts since Greece began relying on international rescue loans in 2010, and have also been hard hit by health care cuts. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) (The Associated Press)

An elderly man carries bags with food as he walks through a rally by protesting pensioners in central Athens, on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. Elderly Greeks have faced successive pension cuts since Greece began relying on international rescue loans in 2010, and have also been hard hit by health care cuts.(AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) (The Associated Press)

ATHENS, Greece – Thousands of anti-austerity protesters clogged the Greek capital's streets to demonstrate against government plans to introduce a new property tax as bailout lenders prepare to conduct another inspection next week.

The anger is being felt across Greek society, with retirees, disabled groups, shipyard workers and high school teachers among those expected to take part in Thursday's protests.

Parliament is due to vote next week on proposals to replace an emergency property tax included on electricity bills with a permanent levy, breaking a pledge made last year by the conservative-led coalition government. More than 50 conservative lawmakers are demanding changes to proposals, arguing they unfairly burden their rural constituents.

The government is also planning new cuts to state benefits and the public workforce.