"Greek protesters storm the Acropolis"

[REVLEFT'S BIEGGST MATSER TROL]

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Admin/BkFill/Default_image_group/2010/5/4/1273003289802/Protests-Step-Up-Over-Aus-006.jpg

Good bloody job!


in a dramatic escalation of the anger unleashed by the economic crisis engulfing Greece, communist protesters stormed the Acropolis todayas the euro and world markets plunged on concerns about the debt-choked country's huge bailout from the EU and the IMF.

Irate trade unionists took over Athens' ancient landmark as fury over an unprecedented package of austerity measures, agreed in return for a multibillion euro aid package from eurozone nations and the IMF, intensified.

By the break of dawn the citadel's ramparts had been draped with banners proclaiming: "Peoples of Europe rise up."

Fears that the Greek crisis will spread to other countries sent markets reeling around the world today. The FTSE 100 in London closed down 142 points and, in New York, American markets fell by more than 2% as investors worried that a failure to push through austerity measures in Greece will lead to a spiralling loss of confidence in other indebted countries.

In Athens, protesting public sector workers said their action had been prompted by "blind anger" over the near-bankrupt government's decision to accept the painful policies.

The measures, which are aimed at bringing Greece's public deficit within permissible EU levels by 2014, through a tough cost-cutting regime worth €30bn (£25bn), have hit civil servants the hardest.

Furious Greeks have likened the three-year austerity programme and the attendant international monitoring of their public finances, to a foreign occupation.

Athens is to receive an estimated €120bn over the next three years, the biggest bailout ever witnessed. But under the deal the Greek government must also freeze wages, slash pensions and do away with a plethora of bonuses and allowances – draconian reforms not seen since the second world war.

"We want to send a message to the people of Europe," said Panagiotis Papageorgopoulos, a communist party official marching with the protesters. "We can take control of our fate with organised protests so that our lives are not run by the EU and IMF."

The stunt, which left bewildered tourists stranded outside the gates of the site, kicked off a day of sometimes violent protests by tens of thousands of Greek public sector employees. Amid growing anger over wage and pensions cuts and a rise in consumer taxes, civil servants extended a one-day strike by 24 hours and staged impromptu protests.

In a prelude to tomorrow's paralysing general strike, schools, hospitals and domestic flights were disrupted as public servants stepped up action against the measures. Private sector workers, including air traffic controllers at Athens airport, will participate in the walk-out piling the pressure on the government.

Passing in front of Athens' imposing Greek parliament, demonstrators shouted: "Let the rich pay for the crisis." At the time MPs were debating a draft bill outlining the unpopular economic reforms that will have to be imposed.

With tensions running high, riot police fired off rounds of tear gas as they scuffled with men, women and students who also joined the protests.

The demonstration came in the wake of unemployed education officials storming the state-run television building late on Monday and disrupting the evening news show. Protests will continue," said Spyros Papaspyrou, who is head of the ADEDY union that represents close to half a million civil servants. "Cutting wages and pensions is the easy option. There are other things the government can do before taking money from a pensioner who earns €500 a month."

Bolstered by their comfortable majority in the 300-seat house, the ruling socialists are expected to pass the emergency legislation with ease barely four days after George Papandreou, the prime minister, announced the measures.

But workers have warned that their campaign against the stringent package of fiscal policies and structural reforms will be ongoing and relentless.

Mounting anger, mirrored in growing outbursts of violence, has been fuelled by rapidly rising unemployment levels and an economy due to contract by 4% this year.

Deepening recession – the country's first in 16 years – has already forced the closure of 65,000 small and medium sized businesses. Unions put real unemployment at over 18% with Greek youth being among the most badly affected.

Three previous packages of austerity measures also aimed at pacifying markets and avoiding a sovereign default in the six months since the socialists assumed power have already hurt the pockets of the average Greek.

"Once these latest measures begin to bite there will be a huge reaction" said businessman Vasillis Stergios. "What we are seeing now are just 'conscience' demonstrations, but when people really find it hard to make ends meet and they become 'necessity' demonstrations there will be a social explosion."

Until now Papandreou has had the unions on his side. But with fury over the intervention of the IMF adding to the explosive mix, analysts are unsure whether he will be able to win public support for the reforms. The euro tumbled to its lowest level in 13 months on the concerns.

Increasingly, Greeks are calling for the corrupt politicians and serious tax evaders whom they blame for their economic mess to be publicly punished. "I am certain the Greek people will respond positively but they need to be convinced that justice will be done," President Karolos Papoulias told Papandreou as the two men met to discuss the crisis. "They need to know that corruption and tax evasion will be wiped out."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/may/04/greek-protesters-storm-acropolis

[Axle]

I fucking LOVE that banner.

I seriously can't wait to see what's next.

[Rusty Shackleford]

i <3 Greece and Nepal right now. im all giddy with the way 2010 is shaping up right now internationally.

[Nolan]

Wow. Nepal was enough of a treat, now Greece? The comrades in Iberia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe should get ready. This could take the world by storm! :thumbup1:

[vyborg]

I would have preferred the KKE comrades used the word WORKERS instead of PEOPLE..still they did a great job...the pic is in every newspaper today

[finnoafrican]

Everyone else noticed that this could actually LEAD to something bigger?

[REVLEFT'S BIEGGST MATSER TROL]

I have to say that picture is amazing.

Just from the symbolism alone, the Athens Acropolis, birthplace of western civilisation and democracy, now draped in red flags. :wub:

[pranabjyoti]

I am just dying to see Red Flag over Acropolis and Mt. Everest. Oops, in the Red Fort (Delhi) too.

[choff]

Definitely among the most exciting things to come out of the new lately. Eagerly awaiting updates.

[S.Artesian]

BBC commentator said today that "They [the workers,students, demonstrators] have it [rebellion, resistance] in their DNA." Fantastic.

Don't we all? Don't we all?

[DenisDenis]

BBC commentator said today that "They [the workers,students, demonstrators] have it [rebellion, resistance] in their DNA." Fantastic.

Don't we all? Don't we all?

We sure do, guess the suppresion of the rebellion gene didn't really work over there in greece :thumbup1:

This sure could spark the hopes again of a lot of the leftist around the world!

[Nolan]

Portugal and Spain are gonna be next if the ruling class doesn't step its game up.

[manic expression]

Portugal and Spain are gonna be next if the ruling class doesn't step its game up.
From what I've heard about the economic mess in those countries, it's probably only going to get worse from this point on. IIRC, Spain's national debt is the size of Greece's entire economy. IF Portugal and Spain hit an economic collapse like we're seeing in Greece, sh*t will go down, because no one has the capital to bailout Spain, let alone both. IF that happens, then the EU will likely be in a full-on, society-tearing crisis the likes of which I can hardly imagine.

The capitalists have dug this grave. Let's help them into it.

[Monkey Riding Dragon]

The BBC has provided an update.
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8661385.stm)
The significance of this in particular is that its a picture of what a revolutionary situation actually looks like here in the developed, imperialist countries. Unfortunately there is no sincerely communist leadership at the center of all this to give it a specifically revolutionary direction, but this is what a situation with real revolutionary potential looks like in imperialist countries. Such a situation as you see there would be, under communist leadership, the start of a revolutionary war to seize state power for the people and establish socialism.

Revisionist "communists" and the labor aristocracy (the wealthy trade union leadership being a particular concentration of that) are unable to contain the overwhelming public anger against these outrageous measures. Masses of people are spontaneously fighting street battles, as you'll see at the link, and have attempted to invade the parliament building to physically stop a vote on the austerity measures from taking place. I'm fully supportive of the people who are rebelling (including the anarchists and other armed fighters). But Greece urgently needs a genuine communist leadership to give direction to the rebellions that are taking place, lest they inevitably fail. At present, no such leadership exists.

The rulers of Greece, together with those of Europe more generally and those in the IMF, are, with these austerity measures, attempting to impose the full burden of Greece's debt obligations on the country's ordinary people. The people of Greece have done nothing to create this situation and should refuse to pay so much as one cent of their exploiters' and oppressors' debt obligations.

Anyway, I'd like to provide a couple highlights from the article linked above:


The government has appealed to demoralised staff in the military, police, schools and hospitals not to retire, fearing the surge in demand for benefits could further drain treasury resources.
The Greek protesters' ire is aimed against symbols of capitalism, says the BBC's Malcolm Brabant in Athens

Our correspondent says...the fear is that the campaign to defeat the government will escalate.

[here for the revolution]

This is some of the most beautiful news to happen in a long time. I've been telling my friends for ages that this would happen and they didn't believe me! Power to the Greek workers!

[Enragé]

the anarchists already did this in 2008 :P

But yea, nice kodak-moment ^^

[REVLEFT'S BIEGGST MATSER TROL]

I hope that the left can do all it can to convince workers around europe that these greek workers aren't "selfish" or asking for money.

I'm sure the media and our respective goverments will do their best to turn this into a nationalist issue - about some greedy greek people who can't accept that they need to cut back from a period of irresponsible spending, and that our own countries shouldn't be held to randsom by this. Really really need to get across that the greeks are just people like you and I, who have every right to resist being made to pay for the bosses crisis, and that the fact that the eurozone as a whole might be effected is just evidence of the weakness of a economic system where we are all interconnected, but that ensures one man's gain is anothers loss.

[DenisDenis]

the most dangerous thing the ruling class could do ofcourse is demoralize the police force, and since they're part of the governmental expenses, their wages will go down and perhaps they will begin to understand they should join the protests!

[the last donut of the night]

birthplace of western civilisation and democracy, now draped in red flags. :wub:

Maybe one day the Acropolis will be turned into a house of democracy, real democracy, unlike the previous slave-owner and capitalist democracy...

Things are shaping up. This decade will be a big one.

[The Vegan Marxist]

the anarchists already did this in 2008 :P

But yea, nice kodak-moment ^^

Not with such organized power & in such a beautiful symbolic call. The anarchists of 2008, unfortunately, lost their battle within just a few months. That picture you see up above is the future of Greece! Watch out Capitalists, we, the Communists, are back & are ready to take back the world!

[S.Artesian]

the most dangerous thing the ruling class could do ofcourse is demoralize the police force, and since they're part of the governmental expenses, their wages will go down and perhaps they will begin to understand they should join the protests!

Nope, that's when "irregular" forces of repression will become more appealing.

Workers count on other workers, not on cops.

The workers of Greece are proving that once again.

[What Would Durruti Do?]

Not with such organized power & in such a beautiful symbolic call. The anarchists of 2008, unfortunately, lost their battle within just a few months. That picture you see up above is the future of Greece! Watch out Capitalists, we, the Communists, are back & are ready to take back the world!

lol, one good photo-op for the media and all the marxists think the Greeks are going to join the vanguard

[The Vegan Marxist]

lol, one good photo-op for the media and all the marxists think the Greeks are going to join the vanguard

The KKE are the only well organized party in Greece. If the people want this corrupted government overthrown, then the KKE can lead them there.

[What Would Durruti Do?]

The KKE are the only well organized party in Greece. If the people want this corrupted government overthrown, then the KKE can lead them there.

There's lots of well organized parties in Greece. And I'm sure they all can't wait until the next elections. Political parties do not overthrow governments, they just take over the ones that already exist.

Meanwhile, real revolutionaries will be looking for alternatives and an entirely new organization of society.

[The Vegan Marxist]

There's lots of well organized parties in Greece. And I'm sure they all can't wait until the next elections. Political parties do not overthrow governments, they just take over the ones that already exist.

Meanwhile, real revolutionaries will be looking for alternatives and an entirely new organization of society.

And the KKE are what? And when you mean "real revolutionaries", you mean the Anarchists, right?

[Nolan]

And the KKE are what? And when you mean "real revolutionaries", you mean the Anarchists, right?

Of course, comrade, the black blocs never fail. Say that ten times and see if you can keep from laughing.

[RHIZOMES]

Unfortunately there is no sincerely communist leadership at the center of all this to give it a specifically revolutionary direction

They still need to embrace Bob Avakian's new synthesis obviously.

[The Vegan Marxist]

They still need to embrace Bob Avakian's new synthesis obviously.

Can I please put in a "facepalm" picture without getting warned for trolling? lol

[Wanted Man]

lol, one good photo-op for the media and all the marxists think the Greeks are going to join the vanguard

Hmm, in December 2008, the Greek anarchists hung banners from the Acropolis and torched a Christmas tree. Didn't hear anyone complain about those photo-ops for the media, and rightly so. :)

[What Would Durruti Do?]

Hmm, in December 2008, the Greek anarchists hung banners from the Acropolis and torched a Christmas tree. Didn't hear anyone complain about those photo-ops for the media, and rightly so. :)

I also never claimed the anarchists were going to bring the Greek working class to communist revolution so I'm not sure what your point is.

At least the anarchists have been active before this silly stunt...

Although I think it is a cool display don't get me wrong. Media is important to us as well, I just wish the KKE wasn't behind it trying to get people on their side and to believe that they are somehow different from any other political party.


And the KKE are what? And when you mean "real revolutionaries", you mean the Anarchists, right?

Not at all. I meant people who choose not to waste their time on party politics. Anarchist or otherwise.

[Wanted Man]

Yes, before this week, the KKE have been sitting there with their thumbs up their ass for their entire history. Please tell me more, champ, you seem to know a lot about Greece.

[What Would Durruti Do?]

Yes, before this week, the KKE have been sitting there with their thumbs up their ass for their entire history. Please tell me more, champ, you seem to know a lot about Greece.

I'm not the one supporting a political party I've probably never even had contact with before. :lol:

And you're pretty correct. Since the KKE is pretty much completely irrelevant, there isn't much they can do but occupy things like the Acropolis for the media cameras.

When they storm the Parliament and fight the police I might have some more respect for them.

[S.Artesian]

Does anybody have any idea of the demands being raised as UNIFIED demands? Has there been any coalescing around a common set of demands, programs, etc?

How about coordination of the demonstrations and strikes.... how is this being done; locally by separate parties, groups; or in communication in, between among cities, villages towns, etc?

[Wanted Man]

I'm not the one supporting a political party I've probably never even had contact with before. :lol:

And you're pretty correct. Since the KKE is pretty much completely irrelevant, there isn't much they can do but occupy things like the Acropolis for the media cameras.

When they storm the Parliament and fight the police I might have some more respect for them.

You're totally right. Completely irrelevant. Never did jack diddly squat in their 92 years' existence. No sirree. UR SO SMART!!!!111

Never even had contact with before? I hope you're only speaking for yourself. I have actually met some of the people we're talking about here, as well as Greek leftists not in the KKE. You see, when you're active in the communist movement, you sometimes get the opportunity to meet people abroad and listen to them in their own words, rather than boring tracts full of impotent rage that their opponents write about them. You should try it!

What about you? Oh, right, sitting in your mother's basement with popcorn and diet coke, denouncing massive participants in a general strike as "irrelevant" from your comfort zone. What do those dumb irrelevant reds with their "old" ideas know about revolution, right?

You're a credit to the movement, no doubt about that.

Edit: I realise that the last bit is over the line, and perhaps warrants a warning or whatever. I would not say something like this to someone who is just ignorant, or bases his claims on facts. But this is just plain bullshit. A lot of people on Revleft say things that I might consider "dumb", but I can't imagine flaming them for it. However, it seems to me that this person is a liar or a troll. I'd normally not say stupid shit like "your mother's basement" or whatever, but I don't feel too sad about it in this case.

[Black Sheep]

I'm not the one supporting a political party I've probably never even had contact with before. :lol:

And you're pretty correct. Since the KKE is pretty much completely irrelevant, there isn't much they can do but occupy things like the Acropolis for the media cameras.

When they storm the Parliament and fight the police I might have some more respect for them.
KKE is an important factor in leftist greece.And yes, it has clashed with the police several times,most in the past, the difference is that it doesn't strive for it and keeps its blocks seal shut and peaceful.

PAME,its trade union, especially in the naval repairs zone (where they make/repair/disassemble ships) has been attacked some times by the cops.

[REVLEFT'S BIEGGST MATSER TROL]

To be honest I think the anarchists did try and storm parliment the same day as the KKE did this. Which now we know had already been done..

So, once again, looks like the "anarkiddies" are in the lead again in terms of most awesome actions done in Greece.

[Saorsa]

When they storm the Parliament and fight the police I might have some more respect for them.

My media stunt is better than your media stunt!

If anything I believe the Greek movement so far speaks volumes on the failure of the anarchist organising model. While the youth and the anarchists were fighting in the streets in 2008, the strike movement that took place was seperate to the street fighting and organised by different forces around different demands. I don't know much about Greece, I admit it, but from what I can see there is a big disconnect between the militant street activism of the anarchists and those like them, and the organised workers movement. This gap needs to be bridged if there is to be a revolutionary situation in Greece.

[Stranger Than Paradise]

Of course, comrade, the black blocs never fail. Say that ten times and see if you can keep from laughing.

Yeah you're right, It's pretty damn hilarious. I tried to say it twice and I cracked up after the third try.

[What Would Durruti Do?]

However, it seems to me that this person is a liar or a troll.

So send me to the gulag already for speaking out against the revolution. :rolleyes:

Maybe one day you reds will realize that NOT EVERYONE AGREES WITH YOU.

omg perish the thought!

[the last donut of the night]

Yeah you're right, It's pretty damn hilarious. I tried to say it twice and I cracked up after the third try.

agreed

[Enragé]

I don't know much about Greece, I admit it, but from what I can see there is a big disconnect between the militant street activism of the anarchists and those like them, and the organised workers movement. This gap needs to be bridged if there is to be a revolutionary situation in Greece.

I could be wrong, but as far as i know from a friend involved with them this gap is being/trying to be filled. Next to your standard scene-ist 'let's fuck shit up' anarchists, you have the Alfa Kappa/Anti-Authoritarians.

Their cop-fighting methods also are much more to be applauded than your average let's-throw-some rocks-and-molotovs-from-a-distance, then run when the cops charge. Their tactic justly places heavier emphasis on the strength of a collective, instead of the isolated brick-thrower tactic. Not that i have anything principally against the latter, it usually just doesnt get you very far (riot cops are rather armoured you see). A mix is probably best.

video (for mayday they either worked together with some other groups or they used red flags instead of the usual red/black just cuz it was mayday):
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8655711.stm?ls


aaand some pictures of them actually winning using this tactic:
http://www.occupiedlondon.org/blog/2010/03/06/206-how-to-take-out-a-riot-police-unit-a-play-in-10-acts/

[Il Medico]

This is quite nice to hear. The media in the states has completely twisted this event greatly, so this is the first real news I've heard of this. And I think these events, among others, bodes well for this decade to be one of wide scale class struggle that hasn't been seen for sometime.

[pranabjyoti]

In India, the mainstream media has now been covering the "retreat" of Maoists in Nepal for few a days, while they just blacked out the events of 1st May in Nepal and the gathering too. They are at present are just turning blind to the events of Greece and so far, there is no news about the events in Greece. Only on some magazines on share, there are a few about "Greece phobia", which is now blowing the share market down.
At least, I myself ain't dependent for information about the events of Greece and Nepal and Philippines and other part of the world on the so-called "mainstream media". I am requesting other comrades not to be so.