The truth is that the Roma camp has been in the region for almost four decades and until today the issue was never really tackled by local or federal officials. Things have obviously changed since a decision was recently adopted to transfer the camp from the Mint to the area of Megara (in Western Attica) but as you can all see it was met with the Roma community’s anger and disapproval.
The General Secretary of the Decentralized Administration of Attica, Manolis Angelakas, rendered the settlement as illegal and in violation of property laws, however the members of the community state that moving them to an isolated region would distance them from schools and medical services.
(They of course forget that they have settled in the area illegally.)
Of course this is overlooked by some Greek politicians (or wannabes) who have never respected the law. In fact they say that the demolition of the settlement is in direct contrast to Greece’s commitments to the United Nations.
(Hello!)
For instance... Halandri’s Mayor Simos Roussos (who probably needs their votes to be reelected) is one of the people against the arbitrary removal of these Roma citizens stating that “a solution can’t be found in such an authoritarian way and by such means.” He believes that the decision isn’t viable and believes that the move could be in retaliation to the fact that he was one of the mayors opposed to the government’s evaluation scheme for permanent public servants in his municipality.
Meanwhile, government spokesperson Sofia Voultepsi implored the mayor not to get involved on the matter while being interviewed on MEGA channel on Tuesday morning and claimed that the Roma gypsies have occupied private property. She also accused the main opposition party SYRIZA of supporting them “because they are looking for a source of lawlessness”.
Unfortunately following talks, authorities agreed to let the Roma stay in the camp for the time being and on their part the Roma agreed to let authorities demolish 12 abandoned homes in the camp. Greek authorities also vowed to find a proper site for the population’s rehousing, which will both meet sanitary standards and be located close to educational institutions. Basically... the government once again chickened out because of the fear of losing the Roma vote.
(Editor's Note: Why the hell would Greek tax payers agree to give anyone better living conditions when we cannot even make ends meet at the end of the month? If the Roma people want fairer living conditions, -such as parks, schools, running water, electricity, and green pastures- tthen they should rent a home somewhere in the city -even Halandri- and experience all that they desire by PAYING their way everyday as we do, and not by illegally occupying land, stealing electricity and freeloading off of the backs of the rest of the country. Greek citizens are not obligated to provide them with free running water and electricity, nor can we accept paying for land while they illegally occupy it. If they truely want to be treated equally then they have to pay their fair share. And finally SYRIZA should stop siding with forces that only want chaos for this country... We backed the Greek government on this decision and hoped that they not back down on this issue, but as you can see... they did. Sickening!)
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