Situation in Greece the result of general crisis arising from maladministration by the Greek Government:
The Spokespersons of the European Green Party have said that an enduring political solution must be found to the ongoing civil unrest and violence in Greece.
EGP Co-Spokesperson Philippe Lamberts said: "This situation is the result of a wide-reaching crisis in Greece encompassing the social and education systems, citizens' loss of confidence in the political system, the economy and the environment. Some of these problems are the result of maladministration over a number of years and the recent economic crisis has served only to heighten the existing crises. The killing of 15-year-old Alexandros Andreas Grigoropoulos by police on Saturday 6 December was only the spark that has set alight the long-simmering public resentment and mistrust of the political system. We appeal for political solutions and dialogue in order to overcome this crisis. While we understand the public outrage at the death of a young person, we do not accept that violence is a legitimate way of expressing opinions and we urge all demonstrators and protesters to refrain from violence."
EGP Co-Spokesperson Ulrike Lunacek continued: "We also ask for the immediate punishment of those directly and indirectly responsible for the killing of Alexandros Andreas Grigoropoulos and urge the Greek authorities to take all measures necessary to ensure that the heavy-handed reaction of police which resulted in this situation will not be repeated. It is time for the Greek Government to accept their political responsibilities and effectively address the everyday problems of Greek citizens. We support the call by our member party, the Green Ecologists (Ecologoi-Prasinoi), for the Greek government to do much more to provide real opportunities for young people in terms of education and training, decent work and investment in social programmes so that young people can feel that they are able to fully participate in society and realise their ambitions."
