Greece has been beset by street protests and troubles for the last week, the nature of which are reminiscent of the Paris troubles of 1968.
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| Greek Unrest |
The cause of this unrest is ostensibly the death of a teen boy, shot by police after a disturbance but the trouble quickly spread and now seems aimed at the ills of Greek political society.
As I mentioned in an earlier (and somewhat criticised story...) Greece is facing serious economic problems (not for the first, or probably the last time), particularly in the area of youth unemployment which is at 19% and that is what's fuelling the disturbances.
However, this should not be allowed to mask the fact that the problems in Greece stem partly from early membership of the EU in 1981. This was only seven years after the restoration of 'democracy' and didn't allow for the necessary period of democracy and political stabilisation and economic reforms, which were much needed after the military Govt of the colonels. This early membership sealed institutional corruption into the body politic of Greece, and that's why 'connections' and bribes are so openly seen in the practice of government at all levels as well as more or less open tax avoidance at all levels of Greek society.
Mass youth unemployment amongst those that have no 'connections', are what is fuelling the unrest as they know that the 'privileged' will continue to get the best jobs in a weakening economy. Its no surprise to many that the trouble is being linked to the students of the Athens Polytechnic, considered by many to be a haven for anarchists and the students who have been fomenting Greece's social uprising.
These are the same well educated students who are aware that in Greece's near feudal system of patronage, that having good degrees, still leaves graduates finding it near impossible to get a job that matches their ability. Their parents have to rely on patronage to make progress for their offspring. So bribing an official, or a politician with the 'fakelaki', the envelope packed with high denomination notes passed under the table to smooth the path for their children's future is easier than taking the honest road.
The Greek Crisis will erupt sporadically for decades to come until deep seated tax, social and political reforms are enacted in the country ... but these reforms never seem to come.
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