"The Greek Elections: What Next? SYRIZA and the fight against austerity," was the theme of a forum, presented by the Department of Political Economy, Sydney University, and the Australia-Greece Solidarity Campaign, on March 10 at the New Law School. Up to 150 people packed into a lecture theatre to hear a panel of speakers, followed by a lively discussion period on the key issues.
Professor Frank Stilwell chaired the event, telling the audience: "Neoliberal austerity is a worldwide reality today, including in this country. But Australian austerity is relatively mild so far compared to the effects on the Greek people.”
Dick Nichols, Socialist Alliance member and Green Left Weekly’s European correspondent, who observed the recent Greek election, said: "It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of SYRIZA's win for Greece and for Europe.
"For the first time since World War II, a government to the left of social democracy has been elected in Europe. This occurs in the context of the particularly vicious neoliberal policies imposed in the European zone, especially in the 'periphery countries’.
"The election of SYRIZA has contributed to a sharpening of class conflict all across Europe. In Spain, the new popular party Podemos has been strongly influenced by SYRIZA.
"The [European Central Bank] is determined to force SYRIZA to give up its program of anti-austerity measures, and to make Greece pay its illegitimate debt to the European banks.
"The February 24 bridging deal between Europe and the Greek government has caused a huge debate inside SYRIZA.
"It would be worse at this stage to be forced into a premature Grexit [Greek exit] from the eurozone, with the resulting currency crisis, flight of capital and possible economic depression. At this stage, the majority of the Greek people are not supportive of leaving the eurozone.
"The possible next step, if SYRIZA decides it has no alternative but to leave the eurozone, would be a national referendum or a new election. Right now, popular support for the SYRIZA government has soared, because of its strong stand for Greek sovereignty and against austerity.
"It is a race against time to allow the new government to implement its popular policies, while taking measures to tackle tax evasion by big business.
"What can we in Australia do? Solidarity is key. We need to build a broad-based movement of support for Greece and against austerity in this country.”
Adam Rorris, convener of the Australia-Greece Solidarity Campaign, said SYRIZA has proposed a “watershed moment” in the Greek struggle.
"They have already, in such a short time, taken a number of measures to reduce poverty, and tackle tax evasion by the elites. They are moving to deepen democracy and open up government to public involvement,” he said.
"For us in Australia, we need to mobilise people to understand and learn from Greece. We can fight back against neoliberalism and win.”
Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon said: "A mass mobilisation swept SYRIZA into power. The people are demanding that it is time to end the humanitarian disaster of Greece.
"International solidarity is incredibly important at this time. In Australia, we need to build solidarity with the Greek people, and work to unite the left here against neoliberalism.”
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