Greek cities participated in "empty chairs", a European event to protest the shutdown of restaurants and food places during the coronavirus pandemic and the economic repercussions on the sector, on Wednesday evening.
The National Federation of Restaurants and Related Professionals, the union representing restaurateurs, known by its acronym POESE, on Tuesday announced it would participate and urged the government to find solutions that will allow its members to maintain their livelihoods in spite of the crisis.
"The protest is a symbolic silent act of the catering and entertainment industry," they stated in the announcement.
Empty chairs were set up at Syntagma Square (Athens), Chania and Heraklion (Crete), Nafplio, Thessaloniki, Larissa and in Patras, among others.
As part of the gradual lifting of lockdown measures, the government approved the opening of take-out places on Monday and is considering allowing food places to provide outdoor seating, but indoor restaurants remain out of operation.
