Giorgos on the issue of the Indignant citizens

The Prime Minister took a position on the issue of the Indignant citizens, while the large protests in the center of Athens and other cities intensify governmental concerns about citizens’ reactions to economic policies.

Mr. Papandreou referred to the major boundless problems faced by the younger generation.

“I would go as far as to say that young people are increasingly aware through the internet and social media – Facebook, Twitter etc.- of their common fate and their common sensibilities, which makes them more anxious since the universality of problems renders them that much harder to solve”.

“And all those who protest, not just in Greece but in many squares around the world, are targeting national democratic systems which are currently very weak, much weaker than before”, the Prime Minister stated, sending a clear message that we cannot make decisions on a number of issues by ourselves.

He also stressed that “a more democratic and informed global governance is needed, which demands and guarantees transparency, fights injustice, promotes a humane utilisation of the vast economic and technological power we have in our hands, as well as protecting the environment. Also required is a radical reform both on a regional and a national level, which will give the informed citizen the chance to act, take initiatives and assume responsibilities within a framework of rules and principles of law.

The seriousness which characterizes the PM’s approach to the matter is clearly a far cry from the previous “technology fashionistas” statements that Deputy PM Theodoros Pangalos had given days ago, especially since the government’s positions on the Indignant movement were reiterated today by government spokesman George Petalotis, who believes that the Indignant protests are legitimate and reflect trends in society.

He, however, denounced yesterday’s events with the “smuggling out” of parliament members through the National Garden, stating that such tensions tarnished the actions of people spontaneously expressing their disagreements.

Asked on the content of Mikis Theodorakis’ speech, after praising his contribution to culture, Mr Petalotis said that his views do not match those of the government, which is committed to pulling the country out of a crisis.