Greek tax inspectors get anger management classes

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek tax inspectors are being offered anger management classes after the government said they would have to continue enforcing a deeply unpopular emergency tax.

The government last year extended the tax on property owners, initially collected on electricity bills with the threat of disconnection for those who didn't pay. The tough conditions fueled protests, even from the tax inspectors themselves.

Trifonas Alexiadis, deputy leader of the National Association of Employees at State Financial Services, said Tuesday that inspectors were being offered places at four-hour seminars funded by the European Union.

He described the classes as "unnecessary" and "juvenile," arguing that the time would be better used training employees to offer digital services.

Greece has been raising taxes and cutting spending to stave off bankruptcy and keep receiving international rescue loans.