Greece turns eyes to communism
Published: 07 April, 2009, 12:23
Edited: 12 September, 2010, 02:31
TAGS: EU, Protest, Human rights
Protests and strikes have swept through Greece, after workers were sacked and left without pay or benefits.
This contributes to a feeling that capitalism has left people short-changed, with some even calling for another try at Communism.
Every day from eight AM till eight PM, hundreds of workers are at the protest, demanding their salaries be paid. They block the road, and use the speakers to be heard.
The factory where Vladimir Moroz used to work was a part of what was formerly one of Greece’s biggest companies, until being closed in June. Since then, all of United Textile Industries’ 14 factories have ground to a halt.
“They threw people out onto the streets, closed the factory, and we all have families to feed so we just don’t know what to do,” Moroz says adding that, for the past four months, he has received neither his wages nor any state welfare benefits.
This is the sixth time the factory workers have come here to protest in front of the Greek Ministry of Finance. They have travelled across Greece to Athens, are staying in tents, and say they won’t leave until their demands are met.
Dissatisfaction with the Greek government and its policies is growing nationwide. Last week, over 20-thousand workers from across the country marched in Athens, and in the northern town of Thessaloniki. Universities, public transport, airports, banks, and most public services were closed across the country as Greece went on general strike against frozen wages for state employees and raised taxes. These demonstrations were peaceful – unlike the December riots which followed the police shooting of a teenage student. But some think this current action is merely a rehearsal for a much bigger revolt.
 AFP Photo / Louisa Gouliamaki / Greece out |
Greece, like many countries, is experiencing an economic backlash from its people – who’re caught between living in a capitalist system they see failing, compared to the political alternative many remain anxious about.
Capitalism, according to one of Greece’s Trotskyist leaders Sofronis Papadopulos, should be replaced by Communism and Socialism. But he says, it should not be confused with what happened in Russia under Stalin. In fact, he believes Trotsky and Marx’s ideas have never been properly realised – and it’s time that Greece tried them out.
“The working class is learning how to organise its struggle better. This experience accumulates until a crucial point, such as a big social or financial crisis, which can turn revolution into a success, and create a new government totally based on new foundations,” said Sofronis Papadopoulos from the Organisation of Communist Internationalists.
But Michalis Spourdalakis, a professor of political sociology at the University of Athens, thinks the radical leftist parties are still not strong enough to make a difference. But he accepts that change IS on the way.
“Capitalism has done some tremendous things for us, but it’s done with and is over-reaching its limits. We are running out, we can not afford anymore to put profits above people,” Spourdalakis believes.
And, for some people, patience is running out.
“Of course! What do you think? Are there more rich or poor people now? You remember Russia, 1917? I think that unless people wake up, they will not find a place to hide from us!” factory worker Sofia Loisigu says.
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Reply to ''cos'' on comment dated April 11, 2009, 07:01 socialism must be tried again for sure! not the type under Stalin or Lenin! which was misinterpreted to great extent because of exhaustion & anger towards the czar! Materialists love capitalism! so its no surprise that one talks like this! its clearly to protect ur way of life! When u think of the poor then ul see the use of socialism! Companies work for investors & themselves...not for the larger good of the community! they come in the media money to charity to make their presence felt! Capitalism is for the middle class....those lucky to get education! so if someone doesn't it means he has to live on the streets hungry! It also means exploitation of resources human & natural at all costs! capitalism is more short term gains & short sightedness! Every country needs a bit of socialism! instead of the whole system being based on the socialist thoughts! It may have better effect on big countries with large peasant populations but for countries with smaller populations lesser geopolitical complications there can be a system which has mix i.e relevant capitalist ideals as well as socialist ideals! If states have control over companies its not about profits for personal gain but for the masses! they have to spend the excess capital on the workers or the community or the people will reject them! but u cant expect a some wealthy money mined business men to be so honest & just! even if he is forced to give up wealth for the welfare of the masses under capitalist law he is protected because it is business not charity for the capitalists!
Mr Vladimir Moroz , i am sure that you left an ex communist country where you were up able to feed your self and family and illegaly enter to Greece, where you got a job and better life. Yes, factories are closing down globally and thousand of peopre are unempoyed. demonstrating does not meen that we are looking back to communism. we are smart enough not to. and finally IF YOU DO NOT LIKE IT , PLEASE GO BACK TO YOUR COUNRTY. WE DID NOT ASK YOU TO COME TO GREECE. who know's you can probably get a better job there (ha ha ha ). good luck back home
contd reply to ''cos'' on comment dated April 11, 2009, 07:01--- Instead of taxing people all the time[there is a limit even if the money is so badly needed] to raise money for development of various aspects of society money from the businesses can be channeled because the govt corporations is not bothered about his personal spending because it is owned by the people...everyone has stake not just few investors & the board of directors..any person can demand that the excess money be used for fruitful works than just trying to build a bigger corporation to make his competitor loss the battle! So people lost there jobs because the factories or companies were closed because they crossed the line & or wiped out by their competitors because of loss of business to the latter! See the scene at wall street! its because they don't care as long as they make money of u! see BP oil spill....its human error no doubt....but how lax were they in handling it! the management moved slowly & weren't prepared for an oil spill because they have to invest money in this ! If u deny it as proof then u need help! They came in cause of govt pressure! & the govt came in cause of peoples pressure! I live in India and ive seen what capitalism is! 25000[Bhopal tragedy] killed because the owners were to busy making money & cant invest in even removing old faulty material! They came cause of low investment/cheap labour! What kind of people do this? kind which run companies & corporates which live on ur money & think they have the right to abuse that wealth! Bring down govt till u get a one which can work for the people not for u alone! I vouch for socialism not communism! Lal Salaam!Jai Hind!