Thursday, December 11, 2008

The situation in Thessaloniki - update


Thessaloniki seems to be returning to normal. Traffic cops are once again the main streets in the centre and the damage to banks and shops owned by national and international franchises is being repaired. However, despite the end of violent confrontations between rioters and the police there are still many signs of protest. The university campus is still being occupied by students who are at this moment discussing further demonstrations.

This evening anti - authoritarian groups are planning a march from Kamara at 6pm and other groups are organising demos tomorrow at 12pm at the statute of Venizelou and on Saturday at 12 noon there too.

It is easy to forget amongst all the dramatic scenes coming out of Greece over the last few days that thousands of ordinary Greeks have been peacefully demonstrating, disgusted by the police killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos and the state on the country in general. They are angry about the present government's almost chronic inability to improve their everyday lives and disillusioned with a political system that seems to thrive on corruption and incompetence.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the updates! They're very informative. The updates on News stations are beginning to lessen as the world is becoming used to what is happening in Greece.

Do you know the condition the University is in in Thessaloniki? What has been damaged, what hasn't? I heard damage was done to the libraries. Whatever information you have is helpful.

teacher dude said...

There was extensive damage done to the law and theology schools. However, the situation has calmed down and now the students themselves are occupying the departments.