?Economic problems in Greece over the last few years have led to numerous riots, resulting in injuries and even deaths. Tens of thousands of protestors have been repeatedly voicing their anger at the Greek Parliament’s inability to come to an acceptable solution. Austerity measures put into place by the Parliament have raised even more outcry, as what is already a difficult living situation for most Greek citizens becomes even more problematic.
The austerity measures proposed are designed to bring the country’s debt under control and meet the requirements that the European Union (EU) community is demanding in order for Greece to continue to receive international rescue loans. In order to meet these needs, taxes are being raised, public spending is receiving huge cuts, schools are closing, public sector jobs are being cut, welfare benefits are being restricted and the state is selling its assets. This is not the first collection of austerity measures to be put in place, and the burden on the poor and unemployed is increasing with each new set of changes.
With Greece in a state of near economic collapse, the government proclaims that these measures are the only way to solve the problem. Nearly 40 percent of Greek citizens aged 24 and below are unemployed, the Greek economy has seen steady decline for the last five years and they are now facing potential expulsion from the economy of the euro.
This is further exacerbated by a general panic which has produced reactionary issues. Domestic banks have seen a 16 percent decrease in the amount of assets that they hold as Greeks send their money abroad. Strikes are rampant, shutting down essential services in the country. Protestors have being attacking politicians with eggs and police have in turn been attacking protestors.
Former Prime Minister George Papandreou resigned on November 10th due to repeated calls of no-confidence votes from the parliament and a record-setting lack of approval from the general populace. Adopting the austerity measures was his last unpopular act, and so rather than be pushed out, he left his position, handing the economic mess over to the new PM, Lucas Papademos.
In is unclear when the protests will stop. The only thing that could possibly alleviate the problems would be a recovery of the Greek economy, the restoration of jobs to Greek citizens and a reason for the populace to begin to have faith in their politicians once again. Until the people of Greece are secure and their leaders are making real progress towards improving the country’s economy, the riots and unrest will likely continue.
