Version imprimableA provocation by the ultra-neoliberal government “offering” this measure, which would be valid for 37 days per year, by promising freedom of choice for the employer as well as for the employee! After the 2024 measure allowing 6-day working weeks, the overexploitation of employees is taking on an Orwellian look, and the increase in work accidents, against a backdrop of low wages and the breakdown of public services, is an illustration of this. And it is the same logic at work in the public sector, where the slightest union criticism of “profitability” measures leads to sanctions, or even dismissals, especially in education.
Angry demonstrations
Even if the Athenian demonstration lacked a bit of punch (around 15,000 people in the various processions), the country has seen a good mobilization in the streets, and above all, we are also witnessing a convergence of anger that is accumulating. Anger at the cover-up of the many scandals — the latest being European agricultural subsidies paid by the right for clientelism. Against gifts to fascists (the criminal führer of Golden Dawn has just been released on medical grounds), with a big antifa demonstration on September 18 for the annual tribute to Pavlos Fyssas, murdered by the Nazi killers.
Support for the Palestinian people
And very strong support for the Palestinian people, with many flags and slogans in the processions, which is essential in the face of Mitsotakis’ complicity with Netanyahu. This summer, (repressed!) rallies protested against the provocations of tourists but also of Israeli soldiers on cruises with flags in the wind, taking the liberty of tearing down posters in support of the Palestinian people and insulting the inhabitants in solidarity. And of course, the support for the flotilla to Gaza (with about thirty Greeks) was very strong (the boats were attacked on Wednesday evening), and the mobilization continues. On the other hand, there is a dramatic weakness: still no form of support for the Ukrainian popular resistance.
Support for victims of rail disaster
Support also for Panos Routsi, father of one of the victims of the Tèmbi railway tragedy (or rather crime) in 2023, who is calling for examinations of his son’s body, with the persistent suspicion of the illegal transport of an explosive substance by one of the two trains. On hunger strike since15 September in front of Parliament, his fight is massively supported, and the processions saluted him, showing the very broad popular will to bring justice to the 57 victims. The question of what to do next is urgent!
Last minute: victory for Panos Routsi – and for all the families of the 57 victims – who has just obtained, on 7 October, satisfaction of his demands, supported by more than 80% of the population!
9 October 2025
Translated by International Viewpoint from l’Anticapitaliste.
