Fight to save the Greek pension takes centre stage in Brussels and Athens

Former welder Manolis Rallakis is leading the fight against pension cuts. He has to, he says - the elderly population is literally feeding the Greek family

Manolis Rallakis likes to take to the streets to fight for his rights. Battles have come and gone - but always been won. "The lost battle is the battle never fought," says the retired metal worker, his eyes fixed in a steely glare - "and now we are fighting the battle of our lives."

Seated in his lounge adorned with prints on orange walls, the 75-year-old embodies the Greek trade unionist par excellence: Rallakis is general secretary of the federation of the country's pensioners.

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