Young people must learn from the Greeks

The working people of Greece have delivered a clear message to the European Union, the IMF and Greek oligarchs that they have had enough of ‘austerity’; enough of being bullied; enough of being dictated to.

They desire to be treated as citizens with dignity.

Fear is the weapon that the Irish establishment, the EU, the IMF, the global bankers and finance houses have wielded.

They wish us to believe there is no way forward for the people of Europe other than the one imposed upon them.

The chorus has already begun from the EU and other international powers and institutions, that the Greek people must be ‘reasonable’, must modify their aspirations and must be ‘realistic’ about what is possible.

The victory of Syriza, in the eyes of the Greek people, is a victory for the popular desire for a different path and a better way forward, for real substantive change.

Syriza has raised expectations in Greece; it has raised hopes throughout the EU.

To Irish youth, the future is the one that is built upon the struggle of today. Freedom and justice are not handed to us from above but are won by our united actions.

Paul Doran

Monastery Walk

Clondalkin

Dublin 22