Tsipras Compares Troika to Zeus, Fights with the Weapon of Justice
A huge demonstration in support of the Greek government’s call for a No vote in the Sunday, July 5 referendum took place in Syntagma Square in front of the Greek Parliament. Police estimated there were at least 50,000, but photographs show that demonstrators filled the entire square, which holds anywhere between 100-500,000 people. In any case it was the largest demonstration in four or five years, and unlike previous ones, this was in support of the government.
The Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has posted on his website the powerful speech he delivered at the No rally. He begins by declaring that the referendum is a celebration of democracy in the face of blackmail and ultimatums. Excerpts below:
“The Europe that we knew, the Europe that stands for its founding values, doesn’t involve blackmail and ultimatums. And today, at this hour, all of Europe has its eyes on you, on the Greek people, on the 3 million who are poor, on the 1.5 million who are unemployed. Today, the entire planet has its eyes on Syntagma Square, on the small and large squares across our country. In the birthplace of democracy, we are giving democracy the chance to return … on Sunday, we are not deciding about staying in Europe. We are deciding about living with dignity in Europe, working and prospering in Europe. For all of us to be equal in Europe. And believe me, no one has the right to threaten us that they will cut Greece off from its natural, geographical home. No one has the right to threaten, to divide Europe. Greece, our country, was, is and will remain the cradle of European civilization….”
Then referring to the Troika, Tsipras went on, “According to mythology, it was from this very place that Zeus abducted Europe. It is from this very place that the austerity technocrats want to abduct Europe again.
“The Greek people, many times over the course of history, have proven that they know how to reject ultimatums. Ultimatums are sometimes rejected. The most glorious pages in the history of this country and this people, were pages of bravery and integrity. I call on you to inscribe with us, once again, on these pages; these historic moments of dignity and freedom. I call on you on Sunday to say, once again, a big and proud NO to ultimatums. To turn your back on those who terrorize you daily.
“And on Monday, whatever the outcome of the democratic process, the people’s verdict that some were afraid of and did not want, that some wanted to hinder the process, whatever the result, we will also say an absolute NO to being divided. Regardless of Sunday’s decision, on Monday the Greek people will have absolutely nothing dividing them. Together we will fight to rebuild Greece, to make it better than the one created during the past five years of destruction.
“I urge you to ignore the sirens that are blaring, the sirens of terror. To decide based on logic, and on your heart. To decide calmly and with determination. To decide in favor of a proud Greece in a democratic Europe. For a nation, a small nation which is fighting without swords and bullets. But is fighting with the most powerful weapon that exist on earth: Justice. We have justice on our side. We have justice on our side. We will win. Nobody can ignore this. Nobody can ignore that we have justice on our side….
“Freedom requires integrity and bravery. We, you, all of us have both integrity and bravery. And we are free. We breathe the air of freedom. Whatever happens, we are the winners. We will be the winners. Greece won. Democracy won. The blackmail and threats were defeated. Be strong. Go proudly. With dignity. Our ‘NO’ will make history. Our people will move forward. For Greece, for a Europe of democracy and solidarity.”
There was also a Yes rally which was apparently considerably smaller.
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