THE NEW Socialist Party (PASOK) Prime Minister Kostas Simitis has won support from left and right for his pro-European strategy.
He wants to end the nationalist hysteria which has transformed the years. But the situation is so fragile that the ruing party could explouc al any timic, acionaung a iccompositon.
It was no smooth transition. The patriarch who had always ruled none. No one in PASOK ever dared challenge his absolute power.
Ter Simius sow-promic and mogernising image ensured a brief honeymoon with public opinion-very Even before Simiti was seces is. the confrontation with Turkey over the fragility of his position. Simitis move away from his predecessor's traditional ultra-nationalist stance was seen as proof of his servility towards the European Union and US imperialism.
Simitis' open stance on Maastricht exploits the fact that his opponents support the same thing, but are reluctant to say so openly. While mutter. ing about his "soft" and "un-Greck" nature, the bourgeoisie are attracted to Simitis project.
These policies are also provoking realignment amongst various left also been attracted by Simitis moder. ale foreign policy-normalisaaon of relations with neighbouring states and recognison or the kepoblic of Macedonia. us the support or a naroline opposttion inside PASOK. Sections of the social democratic left are also leaving PASOK in disgust at the increasing severity of the austerity and privatisaThis is a paradox. Simitis can brandish his audience outside his own party in order to out-manoeuvre his enemies inside the PASOK govemment, This cannot last indefinitely The ruling party could explode at any WHICHE This terminal crisis of PASOK would provoke the general re-composition of the party political framework. Kostas Simitis may not be the head of a PASOK government for much longer. But be may return to office at the head of a new formation.
The left and the trade unions are largely impotent in the face of these grand manoeuvres. Simitis enioys the support of big capital and the overwhelming majority of Greek entrepreneurs.
The left is paying the price for supSporting attacks on workers. Between 19x6 and 1995. real wares fell by per cent. Whole sections surrendered to the bourgeoisic's racist, xenophobic, nationalist offensive. However, the last two months have seen important mobilisations of peasants, farmers, pensioners, naval dockyard workers, civil servants and students. The political situation is very precarious, and the credibility of te major parads is staung. Meet 1000 young socialists from 16 European countries at this year's Fourth International Youth Summer Camp in Amarante, northern Portugal. In a more than friendly atmosphere discuss ideas, exchange experiences, and develop an alternative future on a world scale. Also bake in the sun, swim in the rivers and party until dawn!!. student struggles, internationalism, socialism and much more.
For more deals write aeration Pubishing aption, Po Box 109 London 14 201.
So this is Greece, at the end of the long epoch which began with the fall of the Colonels' Dictatorship 22 years ago. Like the people of Spain and Portugal. Greeks are taking stock or their nopes and toeir mustons, boried under the ruins of actually-existing social democracy.
It is a rude awakening. Maybe it will be a refreshing one. It is never too late to present the bill to those who have crumpled so many of our hopes and ideals. debates and fun.
Socialist Outlook 100 • April 6, 1996.
The central theme addressed at this camp is Anti-Racism. There will also be discussions on state and police repression, women's liberation, school and