Socialist Worker

Workers plan strikes to oppose Nazi Golden Dawn in Greece

by Dave Sewell
Issue No. 2449

Golden Dawn thugs demonstrate

Golden Dawn thugs demonstrate (Pic: Steve Jurvetson on Flickr)

Greece’s public sector union federation ADEDY has called a four-hour strike on Monday of next week so workers can rally outside the trial of the fascist Golden Dawn.

Nearly 70 Golden Dawn members face jail, including party leaders, police officers and all of Golden Dawn’s MPs.

The organisation has been linked to racist attacks and beatings of political opponents, including the murders of migrant worker Shehzad Luqman and anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas.

Strikes and protests led by anti-fascist organisation Keerfa forced the last Tory-led government to announce an investigation into the party.

That investigation found an organised hierarchy directing attacks and “long-term penetration” of the police and intelligence services. But the Tories kept putting off the trial.

Left party Syriza, which now leads Greece’s government, is divided over how to approach Golden Dawn. 

Many of its activists will join the protests. But some Syriza members have tried to rehabilitate the party’s MPs. 

Under pressure from the blackmail of Greece’s creditors, they want to stress their constitutional legitimacy.

It has taken mass pressure from below to stop the authorities turning a blind eye to Golden Dawn’s violence. 

Keeping that pressure up is essential to stop the Nazis recovering and turning Syriza’s difficulties to their advantage.

