A strong opposition is needed!
A strong opposition is needed!
Without an opposition and without a strong civil society to act as a counterweight, why should New Democracy be ashamed of promising only a 2-2.5% increase to already impoverished pensioners? The decline in the standard of living for Greeks (not to mention widows) is astonishing, with widening inequalities of every kind. The dream of convergence with Europe has ended in disappointment. We’ve remained at the bottom, even trailing behind democracies that emerged battered from the former Eastern bloc. Yet, military spending remains astronomically high and ever-increasing, keeping pace with technological developments.
This critique highlights skepticism towards Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ approach to Greece’s foreign policy, especially regarding Turkey. While Mitsotakis has initiated a policy of dialogue with Turkey, the lack of concrete follow-up actions at Thessaloniki is seen as evidence that hawkish influences still dominate Greek foreign policy. The writer underscores the paradox of financially struggling Greece funneling billions into foreign military industries, driven by what they describe as an unwillingness or inability to resolve issues through diplomacy. The rhetorical question at the end, “How could we not go bankrupt?” captures the frustration over these priorities, suggesting that reliance on militarization over negotiation is a costly and unsustainable approach.
The only period of effective and proud foreign policy was from 1999 to 2004, when at the European Council of Helsinki, Greece lifted its veto on Turkey’s EU accession. Under Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou, and EU Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, it was the best era for Greece’s international policy—a time marked by the vision of a modern European state.
Unfortunately, what followed was New Democracy’s well-known policy of inertia, leading to stagnation on Greek-Turkish issues, Cyprus, the Balkans, and, ultimately, the economic and institutional decline from which Greece has yet to recover. In these conditions, the only hope for recovery and national dignity on the political horizon appears to be the election of a strong PASOK leadership on October 6. The caliber of all candidates is undeniable, generating nationwide interest. Everyone is looking forward to the election of a leader with the character and qualities of a prime minister, capable of winning national elections and reversing the unfavorable conditions Greece faces.
Anna Diamantopoulou stands out! She is a powerful political figure with the qualities and attributes of a national leader: extensive knowledge, deep education, values and vision, multifaceted political experience, international recognition, hard work, intelligence, effectiveness, empathy, foresight, negotiation and dialogue skills, and a love for learning and creativity. Her value and qualifications are not questioned even by her opponents, as they are “mathematical,” speaking for themselves. Diamantopoulou has excelled in every position she has held: as Prefect, General Secretary for Youth, President of the Hellenic Organization of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Handicraft (EOMMEX), Secretary General for Industry, Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister of Development, European Commissioner, Minister of Education, and Founder of the Network for the Modernization of Greece and Europe. She was even shortlisted to lead the OECD, bringing honor to Greece through the rigorous evaluation process.
Furthermore, she was Chair of the European Commission’s High-Level Group on the Future of Social Protection and the Welfare State, presenting the group’s report in 2023. Anna has never taken a political hiatus; she has remained active both in Greece and Europe, active in the European Socialist Party, and sought after for speeches and advice on social welfare and social democracy. She has also remained active within PASOK, attending and voting in all conferences and electoral processes.
I write with full knowledge, as my tenure in the European Parliament coincided with that of Diamantopoulou in the European Commission, where she also excelled and was awarded as Commissioner for Employment, Equality, and Social Policy. She was the architect of the Social Agenda and the European Health Insurance Card! I closely observed her work and her commitment to gender equality, socio-economic empowerment, and the Europeanization of Greece. She tirelessly fought for “greater convergence” and “greater equality across the EU.” I believe that those of us who care deeply about the future of PASOK and Greece have no better choice than to vote in favor of the exceptional Anna Diamantopoulou. Let us vote thoughtfully and with awareness. Time waits for no one!
Anna Karamanou ,
Former PASOK Member of the European Parliament
(author of the book *”100 Years of Turkey: Nationalism, Feminism, Europeanism & Political Islam,”* published by Armos)
