"Take social measures to prevent the worst"

The explosive social situation in the country has mobilized PASOK MPs, who seem very concerned about the effects of extreme poverty. Twelve MPs wrote to PM Lucas Papademos, asking him to form a "National Action Plan for social cohesion and solidarity", especially for children and senior citizens. They point out that "we must rush to prevent the worst." 

The full text of the letter is as follows: 

To the president of the government 

Luca Papademo 

"National Action Plan for social cohesion and solidarity" 

We must prevent the worst. 

Mr Prime Minister, 

The unprecedented economic crisis in our country has caused serious social problems to a large part of the Greek people, which are increasing on a daily basis. 

Unemployment, poverty, deprivation and social exclusion, are spreading more and more to thousands of our fellow men. These people, who have to stand in line in messes and are homeless, have increased over 20-25% compared with 2010. 

Greek society is going through unprecedented situations and the victims of the crisis are first and foremost children and the elderly. We have hundreds of examples of small children who are malnourished and do not have the necessary vaccinations. 

Adults have lost their jobs and are left with no income, so they resort to messes or become homeless, creating a generation of neo-poor people. 

Pensioners, after the cuts in their pensions, are unable to purchase the necessary drugs for their health, or the chronically ill and disabled have their lives literally threatened because of poverty. 

We believe that a progressive policy proposal must respond to everyday problems, creating a social safety net for the benefit of weaker social groups, particularly those of our fellow citizens who are approaching the limits of extreme poverty. 

The marginalization and social exclusion should awaken the healthy social forces, whatever their political views and bring back to the fore the unity of the nation, humanity and solidarity. 

It is imperative that the Central State, Regions, Municipalities, the Church, social organizations, public companies, the private sector, voluntary movements, and non-governmental organizations, jointly undertake single, coordinated action by mobilizing all possible means. 

To have significant and tangible results from such an intervention, it would take the nature and structure of a "Comprehensive Action Plan" with tied-in quantitative resources and a timetable for the next three years. 

Realistic analyses estimate the required minimum budget for such a program at 1% of the GDP per year. 

Mister Prime Minister, 

we are not asking for an amendment of the budget just passed by parliament. We ask for directly targeted actions for social protection and care. 

To concentrate the amount we must use: 

• national resources of solidarity and social support
• the European Social Fund and action measures of the NSRF
• private donations and any offers from voluntary organizations
• corporate social responsibility activities developed by public sector bodies, banks and private enterprises

 

Although it is known that these resources are used and committed to active policies, the current social problems require redirection of certain actions with the corresponding transfer of resources to tackle social exclusion, poverty and marginalization of vulnerable groups. 

On the occasion of the revision of the NSRF, it is necessary to urgently state, to the European Commission and European Union institutions, the need for coordinated joint action on social care for our fellow human beings who live below the poverty line, or the Greek society will find itself faced with unprecedented situations. 

The ministries of Finance, Development, Health, Education, Labour and Internal Affairs, in close collaboration with the Association of Regions, the Central Union of Municipalities and the Church of Greece, must present a realistic plan for dealing with the extreme social impact of the crisis.  

The creation of a National Committee which will plan and implement actions for social cohesion and solidarity as a Unified Coordination Center, is deemed indispensable. 

No fellow countryman should be left alone and helpless. 

We aim to let: 

• no child without milk and food
• no child without vaccines
• no fellow man eating from the trash and sleeping in squares
• no fellow man deprived of the necessary medication for their survival

We sincerely believe that the Greek people will welcome any effort that fosters collective values ​​for a Greece of solidarity and humanity.

With honour,

The undersigned MPs: 

1.   Karidis Dimitris
2.   Arapoglou Chrysa
3.   Arvanitidis Giorgos
4.   Vlatis Yannis
5.   Gikonoglou Athanasios
6.   Katrinis Michalis
7.   Konstantinopoulos Odysseas
8. Margelis Spyropanos
9. Moschopoulos Spyros
10. Paputsis Dimitris
11. Rentari Olga