ANKARA
Emotions are running high on the streets of Greece as the bailout accord continues to be negotiated in Brussels.
Demonstrations attracting high numbers are taking place both for and against the EU. Police presence was evident and, in order to avoid any incidents, barriers had been formed between the two groups.
After the eurogroup met in Brussels to evaluate the new Greek government proposals on economic reform, more than 5,000 people gathered in central Athens square Syntagma on Monday after a call was made on social media to stay in Europe and be part of the euro.
The message that was published on Facebook said: “On Monday, another European summit is taking place which will be decisive for our country. The hourglass is emptying and Greece is approaching the ungovernable rocks. Our worst fears tend to become a reality. The grand gathering of citizens in Athens last Thursday showed us the way.”
Some banners read: “Yes to the euro no to the ruble.”
A 20-year-old university student said: “We are not here to criticize the current government but we are here because we want to stay in the eurozone.”
But everything was different Sunday. A rally that also gathered around 5,000 people took place in support of the Greek government's ongoing negotiations with its European creditors.
The rally, organized by Syriza and public sector union Adedy and with the participation of other public sector unions, took place in the central Athens Square Syntagma with protesters holding banners that read: "Democracy is not blackmailed."
People gathered outside the parliament and urged the government to not give in to the creditors' demands.
A 30-year-old self-employed, Maria Giannakopoulou said: “I am here because we have had enough…We don’t want any more cuts in our pensions, no more increases in taxes.” As she held a Syriza flag, she added: “This government will not be sold like the previous ones.”
Alternate Interior and Administrative Reconstruction Minister Giorgos Katrougalos, who had participated in the rally, told the Athens Macedonian News Agency: “Our people are fighting and resisting as the demo today has shown. We are positive about reaching a solution that will not prolong austerity, which will let society breath and our economy recover."
Speaking on the French radio Europe 1 on Sunday, the minister had also said that “Greece is not a separate case. In today’s Europe there are two contradictory positions -- social Europe and austerity.”
