The strongest crisis in Greece, which has been going on for several years, has affected the political and economic stability of the entire European Union, calling into question the very existence of its single currency - the euro. To rectify the situation, the Greek government was forced to take a number of measures that aroused the indignation of the citizens of the country.
When it became clear that Greece could not overcome the crisis on its own, the main donor countries of the European Union, primarily Germany, agreed to provide financial assistance to Athens. But provided that the Greek government introduces austerity regimes, reduces social programs and benefits, raises the retirement age, etc. It is not surprising that a wave of riots swept through Greece, and many mass protests took place. The economic crisis smoothly flowed into the political. The country has actually split into two camps: some believe that the harsh austerity measures imposed by Greece are not only painful for the Greeks, but simply insulting; others, in many respects agreeing with their opponents, believe that there is still no other way out, and therefore the requirements of creditors must be fulfilled.
Especially crowded rallies were held on the eve of the June 17 parliamentary elections. More than 50, 000 demonstrators took to the streets, who broke into various trade union columns. They demanded that anti-people measures be abandoned, arguing that plutocracy should pay for the current situation in the country.
The protesters were in a fighting mood. A column of anarchists decided to storm the parliament, so the police were forced to use tear gas. The riots continued until midnight, clashes of marginal groups were recorded. The Communist Party and class unions at the rally behaved more civilized, they did not participate in power provocations and tried to avoid clashes with the anarchists. Law enforcement agencies have released the parliament building to prevent emergencies.
Leaders of major political forces spoke to their supporters, outlining their program. For example, Antonis Samaras, the leader of the New Democracy party, who won the previous election on May 6, confirmed his intention to comply with the terms of the agreement concluded by the Greek government with international creditors. Recognizing that these conditions are very difficult and painful, he at the same time assured that he does not see another way out of a severe economic crisis. In other words, he urged his supporters to treat the terms of the agreement as a bitter but necessary medicine.
His opponent, the leader of the left-wing radical organization SYRIZA Alexis Tsepras, on the contrary, made a commitment to seek revision of the conditions for providing Greece with financial assistance if he won. Tepras did not deny the necessity and importance of reasonable measures of economy, but again made it clear that, in his opinion, too much was required of Greece.
And the leaders of the PASOK party, who for a long time led Greece before the crisis, speaking to their supporters, limited themselves to a standard set of common phrases. Like, in case of victory, they will make every effort to lead the country out of the crisis and restore its economy. To do this, they will certainly resort to the help of the European Union, but will negotiate with him on equal terms.
As you know, as a result of the elections, the center-right New Democracy Party led by Antonis Samaras won. That is, at least in the near future, neither the European Union nor the single currency zone of the euro is in danger of a split.
