Greece at the tipping point

Greeks Fed Up with Austerity Measures, Go on Strike

Greek unions called a general strike on Wednesday and Athens was paralysed by a 24-hour public transport stoppage in protest against the government's 2011 budget, set to pass later as part of an EU/IMF bailout.

Athens bus and subway drivers have been holding on and off strikes for two weeks, keeping Christmas shoppers from the city centre, adding to the strain of recession-hit retailers.

The government threatened on Wednesday to break the public transport strikes, invoking emergency legislation it used earlier this year to dissolve labour action by truck drivers and other transport workers.

This is only one piece of an ever growing event that is unfolding in the Mediterranean nation of Greece. Once a home for economic prosperity and investment it is now being crippled by an excessive debt combined with large public sector cuts, tax hikes, and a general assault on the working class. Of course they had money for years to pay the union thugs and corporate tyrants whilst stiffing the workers but now the final onslaught is being launched against Greek workers, those who have been responsible and those who have been irresponsible in their financial and political decision making.

Athens crippled by anti-austerity protest Dec. 14

They rallied behind a large banner reading "Strike until final victory".

"We cannot take any more (austerity)" read another banner.

The protests and strikes are growing in force and frequency across Greece. It is becoming largely ignored by the Western media since this has been occurring since February, it is obviously no longer a hot issue. Now the Greeks are becoming even more frustrated and angry, taking to the streets very disgruntled and unapologetic about their actions.

Hostility towards the Socialist government which is leading a war against the working class of the country is quite resilient to these protests and strikes. Refusing to give in and continuing with the Neoliberal policies pushed upon them by those who bailed them out. They give money to the unions and elite for years then they become debt ridden and run to the Neoliberal nations for assistance who give them the aid and require them to make drastic cuts.

Obviously the Greek citizens are going to become even more furious and take more drastic steps to express their frustration with the treatment they are receiving.

Politician attacked in violent anti-austerity protest Dec. 16

As the march reached parliament, about 200 leftists attacked former conservative minister Kostis Hatzidakis with their fists, stones and sticks, shouting: “Thieves! Shame on you!” His face was covered in blood as he took shelter in a building, witnesses said. Police said nine people were arrested and another 11 temporarily detained, while three were injured.

Now the protesting has reached the point of violence and attacks upon former public officials. While I understand the anger among the workers as they feel betrayed by these politicians for selling them out to the bankers/corporations, the violence cannot and should not be condoned it should be condemned. Attacks upon property and persons is completely irresponsible and does not help you in your cause, rather it allows for the media, government, and other opponents to portray your movement and cause as dangerous and radical.



The situation however is still deteriorating on the economic front in Greece with the GDP shrinking 4.2% in the Third Quarter. The government is afraid that unless the economic growth picks up really soon more and more people could turn against the austerity measures as a failure and join with their comrades in the streets to protest.

Greek economy contracted 4.6% in third quarter from year ago Dec. 9

Greece’s economy shrank 1.3 percent in the third quarter from the previous three months as wage cuts and tax increases deepened a recession.

As of right now the situation is not too uncontrollable and the threat of martial law or any extreme crackdowns are not likely in the foreseeable future in Greece. But without economic growth and harsh austerity the threat of potential revolution or a mass uprising unseen in Europe for years, possible decades, would not be off the table if things do not improve soon.

Could this be finally the awakening of the peasants to the recognition of their enslavement to their established masters whether they are the puppet politicians, bankers, corporations, or union thugs? We can only hope that things in our near future change, and for the better.

You know Unions are both a blessing and a curse.
On the one hand they make things fair for the workers.

But they can kill the goose that layed the golden egg.

They've killed both Pan Am and Eastern.

They need to learn that sometimes you have to cut a foot to save the body.

reply to post by grey580


I completely agree with your analogy, that is pretty much my take on unions –today- as unions in the past when working correctly were greatly beneficial to workers and society.

With Greece accepting this package they helped keep the power of their words. I know there are many problems, but it is Christmas and a holiday is good for the people. More attention does need to be given to the social security aspects or else the population cannot sustain it's self.

they can kill the goose that layed the golden egg.

Agreed. The issue is the balance between supply and demand. Do we hold it in the hands of a few or the hands of the many?

Originally posted by Misoir
Greeks Fed Up with Austerity Measures, Go on Strike

Greek unions called a general strike on Wednesday and Athens was paralysed by a 24-hour public transport stoppage in protest against the government's 2011 budget, set to pass later as part of an EU/IMF bailout.

Athens bus and subway drivers have been holding on and off strikes for two weeks, keeping Christmas shoppers from the city centre, adding to the strain of recession-hit retailers.

The government threatened on Wednesday to break the public transport strikes, invoking emergency legislation it used earlier this year to dissolve labour action by truck drivers and other transport workers.

This is only one piece of an ever growing event that is unfolding in the Mediterranean nation of Greece. Once a home for economic prosperity and investment it is now being crippled by an excessive debt combined with large public sector cuts, tax hikes, and a general assault on the working class. Of course they had money for years to pay the union thugs and corporate tyrants whilst stiffing the workers but now the final onslaught is being launched against Greek workers, those who have been responsible and those who have been irresponsible in their financial and political decision making.

Athens crippled by anti-austerity protest Dec. 14

They rallied behind a large banner reading "Strike until final victory".

"We cannot take any more (austerity)" read another banner.

The protests and strikes are growing in force and frequency across Greece. It is becoming largely ignored by the Western media since this has been occurring since February, it is obviously no longer a hot issue. Now the Greeks are becoming even more frustrated and angry, taking to the streets very disgruntled and unapologetic about their actions.

Hostility towards the Socialist government which is leading a war against the working class of the country is quite resilient to these protests and strikes. Refusing to give in and continuing with the Neoliberal policies pushed upon them by those who bailed them out. They give money to the unions and elite for years then they become debt ridden and run to the Neoliberal nations for assistance who give them the aid and require them to make drastic cuts.

Obviously the Greek citizens are going to become even more furious and take more drastic steps to express their frustration with the treatment they are receiving.

Politician attacked in violent anti-austerity protest Dec. 16

As the march reached parliament, about 200 leftists attacked former conservative minister Kostis Hatzidakis with their fists, stones and sticks, shouting: “Thieves! Shame on you!” His face was covered in blood as he took shelter in a building, witnesses said. Police said nine people were arrested and another 11 temporarily detained, while three were injured.

Now the protesting has reached the point of violence and attacks upon former public officials. While I understand the anger among the workers as they feel betrayed by these politicians for selling them out to the bankers/corporations, the violence cannot and should not be condoned it should be condemned. Attacks upon property and persons is completely irresponsible and does not help you in your cause, rather it allows for the media, government, and other opponents to portray your movement and cause as dangerous and radical.

The situation however is still deteriorating on the economic front in Greece with the GDP shrinking 4.2% in the Third Quarter. The government is afraid that unless the economic growth picks up really soon more and more people could turn against the austerity measures as a failure and join with their comrades in the streets to protest.

Greek economy contracted 4.6% in third quarter from year ago Dec. 9

Greece’s economy shrank 1.3 percent in the third quarter from the previous three months as wage cuts and tax increases deepened a recession.

As of right now the situation is not too uncontrollable and the threat of martial law or any extreme crackdowns are not likely in the foreseeable future in Greece. But without economic growth and harsh austerity the threat of potential revolution or a mass uprising unseen in Europe for years, possible decades, would not be off the table if things do not improve soon.

Could this be finally the awakening of the peasants to the recognition of their enslavement to their established masters whether they are the puppet politicians, bankers, corporations, or union thugs? We can only hope that things in our near future change, and for the better.

Hey Misoir!

Well articulated. Like I was reading it off a news wire. They and all the rest should of never joined the E.U. They have become puppets on a string. They sold out their sovereignty and their souls to an entity with no face. Who is next do you think?

reply to post by pinchanze


I would have to think the Republic of Ireland is next. However it does not look so bright in the United Kingdom come 2011 but they are not currently in such a dire financial situation as Ireland but rather a serious social situation.

Thank you very much for the compliment too.

reply to post by Misoir


I read this quote somewhere and I don't know who it was but I'll never forget it. Those goverments who try to tax their people into prosperity,might as well be standing in a bucket trying to lift themselves up.

This is all so said. My granddaughter is half Greek.

We've been planning a culture visit to Greece for quite some time.

I sure hope things get resolved.

Lets hope that Greece and its people do the right thing, default on their financials obligations and cripple the French/German dream of a single european currency, then take back control of their country, economy and currency.