The financial crisis is taking its toll on Greece more than on any other country. But the problems leading to the riots did not just start with the downfall of the global economy. The Greek economy has been struggling for years. When Greece joined the European Community in 1981 its accession was controversial because the military dictatorship of the Junta had just been disestablished.

Unfortunatelly, the racism and brutality of the old regime lived on in the executive branch of the new government. At the same time the adjustment of the Greek economy to European standarts did not take the route desired. The shortcut to West-European wealth and prosperity translated into West-European prices but East-European wages. Highly trained professionals work for 800 Euros a month, which barely covers the cost of living.

 When the global financial crisis started, things worsened and people went out on the streets to demonstrate against the inactiveness of their government. During one of these protests last Saturday a police officer shot a 15-year old boy and the situation escalated. Since then the officials are having trouble to appease the population that has set buildings on fire, called out a general strike and demans new elections. 

 For now the worst seems to be over, but it may also be just the beginning. When the larger part of the population is as frustrated as the Greeks are right now, it is hard to believe that a few demonstrations and riots is all they need and then everything will go back to normal again. The riots will propably cease only then when a change in the ranks of the politicians has been made. And the turmoil and frustration in the Greek society will still prevail until the new governmant will have proven itself. Let’s hope the transition happens quickly.