People were protesting against the decision to impose pay cuts across the board and reduce public spending. Prime Minister Papandreou looked exhausted when one of the television channels managed to send a programme out. He had been on a tour of the USA and France trying to enlist 'support' the French, (traditional friends of modern Greece) as always committed their support. Sarkozi went on tv to pledge to do everything he could to help and so did Obama in the USA.
The amazing thing for me was to witness the difference in approach on the streets of Athens. The majority of demonstrators were in their 20s and there was a significant number of people from other countries who came to march with the Greek workers. One fellow demonstrator from Holland asked me how it was done in Britain and when I explained that we would organise petitions and then leaflet he looked very puzzled. I do not agree with the violence and hostility shown towards the police by a small number of demonstrators at all but I was impressed with the turn out. I am hoping that countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland who are more or less in a similar position, can find a more peaceful way out of this economic crisis.
Ah yes and just to reply to some comments I received whilst I was away asking whether the rumour that I am leaving the beautiful world of Lambeth Unison is true. The answer is yes. I will expand on this when it is appropriate for me to do so.
Is it true that you have resigned and is it correct that this is to do with a profound disagreement you had with Jon R ? The Branch should be told.
ReplyDeleteSelwyn
I am leaving after 22 years to do something different. There has been no profound or non profound disagreements with Jon. He has my confidence and will remain a friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks
That isn't true and you know it. Better still everyone else in the Branch knows why you are leaving. You have a duty to tell us what it is that you disagree with.
ReplyDeleteSelwyn