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NEWS & LETTERS, December 2008 - January 2009
Greek youth spark international revolt
Masses of Greek youth, incensed at the police murder of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos on Dec. 6, spearheaded a movement that threatens to bring down the conservative government of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. For six days riots and occupations spread throughout the country. The revolt broadened its concerns from hatred of the state and its police to unemployment, poor pay and global capitalism.
The youth revolt persisted through Dec. 10, when a planned labor protest against Karamanlis' economic policies turned into a general strike, shutting down most of the country. Students continue to occupy over a hundred high schools and fifteen universities. Students have played a special role in Greece since they were instrumental in bringing down the hated fascist junta that ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974.
This revolt involving many elements of Greek society comes on the heels of a successful 18-day hunger strike by 7,000 prisoners, which also elicited widespread support. The movement won many concessions from the Ministry of Justice, including a promise to reduce the prison population by half, from 12,315 to 6,815 by April 2009.
Many, including some left parties, dismiss the youth as anarchists. The opposition leader in parliament, Socialist George Papandreou, criticized the government for its failure to protect society. Demonstrations in solidarity with the Greek youth have spread throughout Europe among those who hope the intensity of the youth opposition, new stirrings among workers and the persistence of the economic crisis can bring together different forces in Greek society in a total challenge to capitalism and the state that enforces its rule.
--R.K.
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