In the article, Panousis lashes out against government critics and claims that a left-wing government does not mean that Greece should be left defenseless. He further argues that now is not the time for pointless ideological clashes, but rather the time to consolidate political legitimacy of institutions and social consensus.
Panousis also expresses his frustration with some government officials who continue to tolerate the actions of these anarchists who are openly in support of the (very dangerous) jailed hunger strikers, especially Minister of Justice Nikos Paraskevopoulos (who recently spoke of starting a discussion with the hooded youths and protesters). In response to Paraskevopoulos' stance, Panousis underlines that “democracy does not speak with those who have no face”.
As expected, Panousis’ article caused reactions within SYRIZA, with the party’s parliamentary spokesperson Nikos Filis accusing the Alternate Minister of committing a “faux pas”. Filis, who appeared on SKAI on Friday morning, noted that Panousis “is a minister and not a commentator”. He also argued that there is a debate going on in anarchist circles and that only one group actively supports the recent actions, in order to pressure SYRIZA.
On Thursday SYRIZA’s other parliamentary spokesperson Thanasis Petrakos told Vima 99.5 FM that he was deeply concerned about the recent bout of occupations and could “not rule anything out”.
Click HERE and HERE for background to story.
Sources: Ta Nea, To Vima, enikos
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