Greece – Eastminster: a global politics & policy blog

After Greece’s defeat, we need a new European movement against austerity

July 23, 2015 by Editor

Editor

Marina Prentoulis explains that the struggle against neoliberalism has learned valuable lessons from Syriza and now it's time to mobilise support for a better future for Europe. After five months of negotiations, Sunday evening brought a moment of painful realisation: democracy has left the EU building. The proposals put forward by…

A masterclass in how not to conduct diplomatic negotiations: Reflections on the new Greek bailout agreement

July 13, 2015July 14, 2015 by Editor

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Vassiliki Koutrakou criticises Syriza's negotiation strategy with the EU Despite the unquestionable relief at its accomplishment, the provisional agreement on a 3rd bailout deal for Greece, reached on the night of 12th July will remain in the annals of history as the result of one of the most catastrophic negotiations…

A Plea to Greek People for Sense and Responsibility

June 30, 2015 by Editor

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Dr. Vassiliki N. Koutrakou argues that Greek people should not act instinctively in forthcoming referendum. As the emergency referendum on the last ditch EU-IMF Greek rescue plan looms, it has never been more urgent for the Greek people to try to reflect soberly, rather than instinctively, on the desperate situation the…

The winds are changing: a new left populism for Europe

February 10, 2015 by Editor

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Marina Prentoulis and Lasse Thomassen argue that the unprecedented presence of international media, solidarity delegations and representatives of socialist and leftish parties in Athens signalled that Syriza’s triumph was something more than just another electoral victory. A spectre is haunting Europe: the spectre of populism. This time it is not the far…

Varoufakis on the international media catwalk: on the politics of style

February 9, 2015February 9, 2015 by Editor

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Maria Kyriakidou looks at how the new Greek finance minster, Yanis Varoufakis, has had a distinct image constructed by the international media and why the politics of style is important. About two weeks have passed since the new Greek government came into power and also the spotlight of the international media over its negotiations…

Syriza’s win and the Greek elections: many shades of grey

January 26, 2015 by Editor

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Maria Kyriakidou argues that we should look past the hyperbole in the international media about the election of Syriza. The situation is more complex than critics and supporters suggest. Reading the press headlines all over Europe today, one gets the impression of a schizophrenic Europe, with images of glory and…

Greeks never fail to disappoint. Are the Brits next?

January 26, 2015January 26, 2015 by Editor

Editor

Dr. Vassiliki N. Koutrakou reflects on the rise of Alexis Tsipras and SYRIZA in Greece. As with Andreas Papandreou (socialist PASOK) and his band of thieves in the 1980s, and their many years of looting and plundering massively Greece’s – and Europe’s – wealth, closely followed by the right-wing governments they…

‘The Future has just started’: The Greek National Elections and the end of Austerity in Europe

December 30, 2014January 26, 2015 by Editor

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Marina Prentoulis reflects on developments in Greece as fresh elections are called. After three voting rounds, the Greek coalition government has failed to secure the support of 180 MPs in order to appoint a new president. According to the constitution, the Greek parliament has to dissolve within 10 days and…

Dr. Marina Prentoulis, University of East Anglia

Doing Politics Differently: Marina Prentoulis on Podemos, Syriza, Left Unity

October 23, 2014January 12, 2015 by Editor

Editor

Dr. Marina Prentoulis, Senior Lecturer at the University of East Anglia, recently took part in a Left Unity tour with Eduardo Maura (Podemos), Tariq Ali (writer and broadcaster) and Ken Loach (film director). You can watch her speak at the London leg of the tour in the video below. The video is split…