Greek government under fire over closure of 204 post offices

Athens: Greece s government has come under fire after 204 post offices were earmarked for shutdown in a surprise cost cutting move. The announcemen...

Athens: Greece's government has come under fire after 204 post offices were earmarked for shutdown in a surprise cost-cutting move.

The announcement that the post offices, many of them on islands, would close Monday drew wide criticism from mayors, opposition parties and even some of the government's own lawmakers.

The central union of Greek municipalities in a statement Friday said the move left "large areas with high population density and significant economic activity... completely deprived of services."

"We are outraged that this decision was not preceded by any official notification," it said.

Protests to be held at various parts of the country on Monday.