- She says she knows austerity measures have been hard but said they are neccessary
- Police are ready for planned protests
Athens, Greece (CNN) -- Greek authorities were bracing for protests Tuesday as German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits a country where many view her as the cause of their suffering.
Critics see Merkel as the main enforcer of the EU-imposed austerity measures that have left a large number of Greeks unemployed and streaming to soup kitchens for a hot meal.
Before her visit, Merkel told CNN she knows the austerity measures have been hard on some.
"It's very bitter obviously, sacrifices need to be made," Merkel said. "But I think these are necessary measures that have to be taken, I think it was not easy for anyone to impose those measures on them but these, I think, have been made on the background of great experience."
In return for international bailout funds, Greece has agreed to the austerity program and labor market reforms -- measures that have led to violent street demonstrations in the past.
The Greek government is seeking new ways to implement budget cuts of 11.5 billion euros ($14.49 billion) to ensure the country receives another international bailout installment in October.
To comply with the belt-tightening measures, salaries have been cut for many workers, pensions and benefits have been slashed and unemployment rates have soared.
As of May 2012, 53.8% of Greeks younger than 25 were unemployed, according to Eurostat, the statistics division of the European Commission.
One woman stopped in Athens and asked about her feelings about Merkel's visit voiced her frustration.
"To come and do what? Why should she come? They should just get rid of her and all the rest of them with her," the woman said.
But Rafael Voulgarakis, a universit student, welcomed her.
"It is clearly positive, because as we know Germany is the largest power in Europe at the moment and one of the largest powers in the world," Voulgarakis said. "It is clear that the support of Ms. Merkel is good for our country and is needed."
In Greece, Merkel will meet with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras .
Police have set up rigid controls of planned protests called by two major unions, and thousands of officers were ready, authorities say.
CNN's Elinda Labropoulou contributed to this report.
