GREEK TRAGEDY – SECOND PART

The 48th hour strike observed by employees belonging to various sectors like schools and colleges, public transports, hospitals, post offices, banks and government offices virtually paralysed Greece , the other day. It was the fifth 48 hour strike this year and second since June.
The reason : fresh wave of austerity measures in the making in Greek Parliament at the instance of the ‘troika’, European Union, International Monetary Bank and European Central Bank for releasing the next tranche of loan amounting to 8 billion Euros. Fresh wave of austerity measures like reduction of public sector salaries, pensions invited the wrath of Greek citizens who grouped under one umbrella and went on the rampage clashing with Greek police who used tear gas canisters and other rough measures to suppress the mass demonstrations and violence. Almost 125000 citizens participated in the demonstrations paralyzing the entire Greece and besides that 70000 citizens congregated at Syntagma (Parliament) square, while the Greek parliamentarians were in a hurry to enact the bill on imposing fresh austerity measures.
In spite of widespread protests, demonstrations and violence, Greek Parliament enacted law imposing further austerity measures at the bidding of European Union, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank to reduce the public debt which is mounting leading the nation to the verge of bankruptcy.
The billion-dollar question however is with the entire citizens being squeezed how long Greek Prime Minister George Pappandreau can hold the wrath of the people.
Greek being entirely paralysed and even the garbage collection at a standstill for days whether a ‘Greek spring’ is on the anvil. Even while Germany and France are struggling to tide over their economic crisis, it is worthwhile to note that European recession is widespread among 27 of its members how long a dependant Greece could hold on under precarious circumstances. Take it for granted that Greek citizens will citizens won’t sit patiently tolerating belt tightening measures of Greek government. Greece will be in flames shortly with people remaining impatient over their predicament for a prolonged period. The Greek tragedy began from the very day Greece joined the European Union and a return to the past is not that easy.