Greek politics

Immigrants as scapegoats


See article

Readers' comments



Purus in reply to charmingfelix

Of course i have no clue, i just enjoy typing gibberish so that charming fellas like yourself can point and feel good about their intellect.

However there are other perspectives from which one could look at things... for example your inability to understand my reference doesn't make it untrue, it does merely show that you lack knowledge on the subject (not a crime really, just that one could choose to ask and not hasten so much to judge).

Regarding your point on countries "occupying" the soil of EU (that's an oxymoron) i fail to see how you understood that, seeing that i don't imply nothing of the sort and since my understanding of EU prohibits me to make such foolish mistakes. By the words used i am to understand that you do think that of some members though. Nevertheless i was rightly pointing at the premature accession of Greece and the benefits that resulted. Needles to say that it extends to other members as well.

I do disagree also on the reasons of GD popularity. Assuming that you are right and criminality is a sharp problem in Greece compared to other countries i do not know that it is exclusively the fault of the immigrants or that their rates exceed the ones by ethnic Greeks substantially or even by a little. Thus gaining popularity on prejudice that a group different from your own is the root of all problems fails to understand the abstractedness of group identity and behavior or the complexity of context. That my friend is ignorance and in the case of GD open racism. Immigration does indeed bring problems as does benefits and is quite complex issue.

But this is an oversimplified explanation of my perspective or could indeed be as you say i.e. that i have no clue.

TONI 209 in reply to TomAlex

TomAlex, there are not Russians, Ukrainians and Belarussians, who are willing to cross the border with Poland. These are exactly the same people, who enter Greece (like Afghanistan, Chechnya, Sri lanka etc...).
Yes, Frontex is one thing, but is-situ forces, who prevent illegal border crossing, is something different. The DO HAVE legal instruments to guard the frontier "in the field". I do not speak about people, who entered "legally" but do not want to leave. I just ask, why guarding 150 km long border seems to be more complicated, than 1000 km border?

femi in reply to TONI 209

I would have thought that every Pole, given the suffering they i.e.Poland ] have had to endure, would be more sympathetic towards immigrants of whatever description.Human beings never cease to amaze me.Perhaps it is a comfort that people tend to suffer from amnesia once they begin to feel comfortable and safe.Safety and comfort though are illusory and can vanish just as quickly as they have come.

femi in reply to TomAlex

Your response seem's to imply that once the economic problems of Greece are solved all other things including the issue of illegal immigration into Greece would be resolved.You are mistaken.Although it is true that economic stress generally brings out the worst in people and nationalist take advantage of this fact, economic stress is no justification for xenophobia and down-right racism.In many parts of Europe,people detest Greek people considering most of them backward , vermin and scroungers who deserve the predicament in which they are in presently.[Anyone who has seen The Spectator advertisement making a joke of Greece at the expense of Germany and Germans,knows what I am trying to say.It is a very funny joke, apt but merciless in it's bite ]. Nothing seem more ludicrous than hearing Greek people for example [...through no fault of their own I hasten to add ] mangling the English language on the streets of London as they flee the Economic horrors they face at home.
You are dead wrong to attribute a rising crime rate to illegal immigrants.That can never be borne out by any objective study..., and if you have any such study to the contrary do reference it and send be a link.Let me point out two things ; [a ]Illegal immigrants are human beings too.They may be economic migrants like many Greeks are today fleeing intolerable conditions in the struggle to find a better life for themselves and their families.They want enough food, a decent house for their family, schools for their children, access to decent health care etc which I am sure Greek people like every other human being on earth also desires.We gain nothing by disparaging the 'illegal immigrant ' as though they cease to be human beings, simply because they strive to flee from conditions which are intolerable. [ b ]Illegal immigrants are normally the most law abiding in any society.The reason is simple i. They tend to be easily identifiable and are vulnerable as a result.Law enforcement authorities tend to treat them harshly if they get caught.The cost of getting caught and deported back to the conditions from which they are fleeing is sufficient deterrent,precluding them except in extreme desperation from committing any crimes.
It is a myth therefore, designed to foment further dislike if not disdain towards foreigners that tales such as the involvement of illegal immigrants in criminality is disseminated.Let us read history afresh,and we would become more sympathetic of those who today need out assistance in whatever way to flee from the horrors that drive them.
Last year I read 'The Hare With Amber Eyes' by Edmund de Waal which opened by eyes'.Anyone can become a refugee and need the help of others, no matter their position , power or wealth.For the Ephrussi family who were once one of the wealthiest families in Europe , if not in the world. Comparable to the Rothschild's in the vastness of the wealth and connections they had.For them to arrive in the 1940 penniless and destitute is really to say something.Bow down in humility and be thankful.

Dmitry Kalinchenko in reply to ryVToRd4GG

It was Germany's responsibility to protect the minorities and look at what happened... As far as what they can do - they need to mutualize the debt obligation and make the austerity a bit more bearable for the weak governments, which will hopefully reduce the public outrage

How exactly should Germany do this, in your opinion? Pay off the thugs? As it was Germany's responsibility in the 1930s to protect its minorities, so it is Greece's responsibility, today. No German government or individual can take that responsibility away from them!

femi in reply to TomAlex

Look, TomAlex, I seriously do not want to get into any long discussion with you over this issue of Greek racism , xenophobia and criminality.Suffice it to say that a good friend of mine worked lived in Greece for several years and indeed worked with the Greek police.If you are under the delusion that the levels of bigotry, corruption and criminality not only by Greek people themselves which is reflected in their law-enforcement agents is tolerable,then lets go our separate ways.Have a good day.By the way I am black of African descent, and the friend I mention is also black.But that is besides the point, again, have a good day.


Jobs are inadequate in the economy for a number of factors which are very interlinked to countless factors. Lawful and unlawful immigrants will have tough times in Greece for an unpredictable period of time for sure.
Austerity measures are unleashing pains, spending ain't proper in the economy from all economic players, there is an absence of palatable level confidence among economic actors for a variety of reasons, etc which are hurting everybody concerned to the economy.
Can the economy get rid of the current predicament?
Well, it is feasible if some must-do things are done. It is not feasible on the contrary, if some must-do things ain't done. So, that means, the dependency factor is vital here, too.


Latest blog posts - All times are GMT
Gun laws: Prayers and pistols
Democracy in America 2 hrs 34 mins ago
Daily chart: Justice on trial
Graphic detail July 11th, 13:40
Technology and fashion: Storming the maisons
Schumpeter July 11th, 10:05
Financial literacy: Back to basics
Free exchange July 11th, 10:01


Products and events



