Greece: Tsipras slams EU's 'blackmail' and its attempt to 'hinder democratic processes'
For more analysis and discussion on SYRIZA's struggle against austerity, click HERE
By Alexis Tsipras, prime minister of Greece
June 28, 2015 – Prime Minister of Greece, posted at Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal – Yesterday’s Eurogroup decision to not approve the Greek government’s request for a few days’ extension of the program – to give the Greek people a chance to decide by referendum on the institutions’ ultimatum – constitutes an unprecedented challenge to European affairs, an action that seeks to bar the right of a sovereign people to exercise their democratic prerogative.
A high and sacred right: the expression of opinion.
The Eurogroup’s decision prompted the European Central Bank (ECB) to not increase liquidity to Greek banks, and forced the Bank of Greece to recommend that banks remain closed, as well as [imposing] restrictive measures on withdrawals.
It is clear that the objective of the Eurogroup’s and ECB’s decisions is to attempt to blackmail the will of the Greek people and to hinder democratic processes, namely holding the referendum.
They will not succeed.
These decisions will only serve to bring about the very opposite result.
They will further strengthen the resolve of the Greek people to reject the unacceptable memorandum proposals and the institutions’ ultimatums.
One thing remains certain: the refusal of an extension of a few short days, and the attempt to cancel a purely democratic process is an insult and a great disgrace to Europe’s democratic traditions.
For this reason, I sent a short extension request again today – this time to the president of the European Council and to the 18 heads of state of the Eurozone, as well as to the heads of the ECB, the European Commission and the European Parliament.
I am awaiting their immediate response to this fundamentally democratic request.
They are the only ones who immediately can – even tonight – reverse the Eurogroup’s decision and enable the ECB to restore liquidity to the banks.
What is needed in the coming days is composure and patience. The bank deposits in the Greek banks are entirely secure.
This holds true for the payment of wages and pensions, as well. We will deal with any difficulties with calmness and determination.
The more calmly we confront difficulties, the sooner we will overcome them and the milder their consequences will be.
Today, we have the chance to prove to ourselves – and indeed, to the world – that justice can prevail.
Once again, we have a historic opportunity to send a message of hope and dignity to Europe and the world.
In these critical hours, as we face history together, we must remember that the only thing to fear is fear itself.
We will not allow it to overcome us.
We will succeed.
The dignity of the Greek people in the face of blackmail and injustice will send a message of hope and pride to all of Europe.
No to austerity! say European Left
No to austerity! The European Left enters into the campaign alongside with Syriza
The stalled negotiations by some European governments and the creditors of Greece place the whole Europe in a situation of unprecedented crisis. These irresponsibles endanger the entire euro area and pose a serious threat to all European peoples.
The Tsipras-government has done everything to fulfil its mandate by making proposals of compromise. Facing the wall of money, he chose democracy by calling the Greek people to vote in a referendum on austerity measures demanded by the institutions.
We support this approach with all our strength. Greece is a pillar of Europe. Its partners must accept that its people are sovereign and it is possible to carry out another policy that austerity.
The European Left takes the field alongside Syriza: also for us, we say NO to austerity.
We call on all democratic and progressive forces to show their support to Greece. Their entry into this fight is vital for the Greeks, vital for democracy and the future of Europe.
With social movements, we call for the mobilization of everyone in the streets.
Our future is too valuable to leave it in the hands of creditors and ultra-liberals.
Party of the European Left, 29 June 2015