Synaspismsos, the New Left party in Greece (SYNASPISMOS=coalition of the left of movements and ecology) has been struggling for a mutual reduction of the military budgets of Greece and Turkey. This campaign was launched during the 4th European Social Forum in Athens (May 2006) in cooperation with the Turkish party ODP (Freedom and Solidarity party) and was later joined by Greek and Turkish workers’ Unions. You can follow the development on www.syn.gr English section.
While this position was never even considered by the Greek government I saw a relevant article in Die Zeit of Hamburg (11 January 2012). A very revealing article.
I do not pretend to have the same journalist sources as the writer but it is quite obvious to me that a reduction in the military budget could save an enormous amount of money for much needed social care measures. As it is implied in the article Germany and other countries also gain from these expenses. It is therefore rather improbable that they will follow the left proposal but at least we are now more aware of the reasons behind them.
January 14, 2012
fromagreekangle
