Syriza’s potential victory in the forthcoming
elections in Greece is of the utmost importance for all those who
want Europe to change course. Such a victory would be an expression
of the demand for dignity and justice: for hope. The threats and
pressure applied by EU leaders, the Troika and financial circles to
influence the electoral choice of the Greek people are unacceptable.
Throughout Europe, we will defend the right of the Greek
people to make their decisions freely; to break with austerity; to
say ‘no’ to the humanitarian crisis which has plagued the
country; to pave the way for a real alternative for Greece – for a
social and democratic reorientation.
Most political forces in Greece bow down to the Troika,
but Alexis Tsipras and Syriza decided to do the opposite. They have
created, working closely with the social movements, a broad coalition
whose dynamism may well win a majority. Syriza and its allies propose
to fight back against the humanitarian crisis, to restore collective
agreements and labour rights, to create a fair tax system and to
democratise the political system. A Syriza government will make
Greece a credible player and will make the survival of the country
and the people a precondition at the outset of any negotiations. The
government will commit the country to a new path, rejecting
corruption and patronage, opting instead for a new type of
development in the interests of all. It will propose a European
Conference on Debt to partially cancel the debt. The reimbursement
modalities for the remaining part can facilitate an economic recovery
through a large public investment programme – which should not be
included in the Stability and Growth Pact – and a response to
urgent social needs. At European level, it will propose a “European
New Deal” for human development and environmental transition.
Throughout Europe, we need to break with the rationale which is
destroying Europe’s collective social gains and fuelling the rise
of nationalism and right-wing populism. We need a new project, based
on inclusive development, cooperation and democracy.
Throughout Europe, we believe that such a change in
Greece will not affect the future of the Greek people alone. A
victory for Syriza will allow Greece to escape from the current
catastrophic situation but it will also represent green shoots of
change for Europe. Breaking with austerity policies would be a
signal, a source of hope for those who want to stand tall. At the
same time, if Syriza is voted into power, its government will need
massive support from the people of Europe in the face of the
pressures from the financial markets and political forces which fear
any departure from the obsolete framework of capitalist
globalisation.
Across society, from wide political and social forces,
from many organisations and walks of life: we do not accept the
pressure brought to bear to prevent the Greek people from exercising
their free choice. Those exerting this pressure today share
responsibility for the perpetuation of harmful ‘shock therapy’ at
all costs.
Throughout Europe, we are assuming our responsibilities,
supporting those engaged in struggle, changing the balance of power,
waging the battle of ideas and uniting all those who want to build –
alongside the Greek people – a social, environmental and democratic
Europe. We stand with the Greek people because their battle is also
ours.
Sign
the Appeal:
Comments
Post a Comment