Greece is paralysed today by its sixth general strike since the start of the crisis. The strike comes the day after Parliament approved, thanks to socialist support, the general principles of the pensions reform law, which raises the pensionable age to 65 years and contributions to 40 years. Public and private sector trades unions are still demonstrating, while air, sea, rail and local public transport services are all closed, along with with hospitals, banks, courts, public offices, shops and customs. There is also a news blackout.