Main focus of Thursday, May 6, 2010

Riots exacerbate the Greek crisis

Three people were killed on Wednesday in Athens after a peaceful demonstration against the Greek austerity programme staged by tens of thousands of protesters turned violent. The government is not the right target for the people's anger, writes the press, calling for greater commitment to a common Europe in these desperate times.

Sme - Slovakia

Despite the help from Europe Greece finds itself in a desperate situation, writes the daily Sme with an eye to the bloody riots in Athens on Wednesday in which three people died: "Unrest, violence and tragic deaths are the last thing Greece needs right now. The situation is practically beyond a solution, either through the planned austerity measures or through a declaration of state bankruptcy. The country is facing years of economic decline and growing poverty - irrespective of whether it remains in the Monetary Union or not. The securities of the countries of the Eurozone and the International Monetary Fund are merely instruments for buying time. The Union needs them to calm the markets and avert the impending crises in other countries. ... But if tensions continue to rise in Greece, even European money isn't going to help." (06/05/2010)

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More from the press review on the subject » Fiscal Policy, » Financial Markets, » Banks, » Greece
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Adevărul - Romania

The violent protests in Greece have struck a government that bears no responsibility for the country's misery, writes the daily Adevărul: "For years Greek governments on the Left and the Right flaunted their money and mocked the nation. They ruined the fledgling prosperity by stealing and squandering money when times where good. Back then no one saw politics as a ticking 'time bomb'. Everyone - from the unions to the hotel owners, olive growers and pizza sellers - willingly tasted the spoiled fruit of an unnaturally good life. ... In such a dramatic situation the worst thing the Greeks could do is spread the sort of chaos we're seeing now. They've called a general strike - clearly a national sport. ... In protest at what? At the first measures of a government that bears no responsibility for the current situation? That's like a patient slapping his doctor in the face." (06/05/2010)

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More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Economic Policy, » Greece, » Romania
All available articles from » Grigore Cartianu

Der Tagesspiegel - Germany

The states of Europe must stand side by side in the face of the violent protests in Athens at the Greek austerity programme, writes the left-liberal daily Der Tagesspiegel: "The EU heads of state and government face a momentous task, perhaps the most important in the history of this prodigious alliance which the continent put the horrors of two world wars behind it. Certainly, we must avoid giving the impression that the community will bow down to murderers. Nevertheless the EU must see these riots as a turning point. Now is the time for us to lend an honest, helping hand. Money is the first step towards building up a lasting friendship. The loans could be complemented by promises of investment. Ultimately however the community must change its attitude. What is needed is pathos - the Greek word for passion. ... Many people have not been able to warm to the EU. But now, in view of the current delicate situation, what counts is how this body perceives itself: as a handy free trade zone, or as a precursor to the United States of Europe." (06/05/2010)

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More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Economic Policy, » Financial Markets, » Weltanschauung, » Greece, » Europe
All available articles from » Moritz Döbler

Financial Times - United Kingdom

After the violent protests in Athens, Greece's politicians must join forces and make sure that the wealthy, too, do their bit to help the economy: "It is now imperative for Greece's political leaders to unite behind a solution. Though Mr Papandreou commands a parliamentary majority, there can be no exemption for the opposition. ... The government must also redouble its effort to explain to the people where the cuts will fall, and to demonstrate that for once, the better-off and well-connected will not be let off the hook while ordinary people suffer. A worsening in the lives of people at large cannot be avoided. But it must be - and be seen without doubt to be - fair." (06/05/2010)

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More from the press review on the subject » Economic Policy, » Greece

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