The “Passions” of Humanity

The refugee crisis has highglighted, among other issues, the humanity of Greeks. Although a small country, in debt, in poverty, in severe humanitarian crisis, Greece surely takes the credits for its humane face. Simple fishermen, young people of the Coast Guard and the Port Authority save refugees from drawning on an everyday basis, without any motive or benefit but their Christian conscience.

In the meantime, European leaders and “authorized” bodies say that Greece “should not accept them” and “let them drown”. Others more “responsible”, such as the majority the Danish Parliament, implement laws that allow authorities to seize assets from refugees.

Of course there are exceptions.

There is no doubt that Europe is torn, due to the refugee crisis. It wasn’t that hard, since for decades the European Union has been operating as a financial organization, without any political aspect to its decisions and activities.

What happened to the Europe of Renaissance? Where is the Europe of Enlightement? Is there a scientific explanation? Is it a matter of DNA?

Before I proceed with the political analysis of the refugee crisis, let me remind you of the position of the Slovak Prime Minister, who said that “Greece shoud be sacrificed in order for the European Union to be saved”. This is what the Slovak Prime Minister thinks of the European family, that for years he has been begging for his country to join.

Let’s be serious. There is no doubt that Europe is torn, due to the refugee crisis. It wasn’t that hard, since for decades the European Union has been operating as a financial organization, without any political aspect to its decisions and activities. One part of Europe – fully armed – is in constant hostility with the other, as it is trying to foresee the political dimension of the refugee problem. To mention some names, on one front is Europe headed by German Minister of Finance, Wolfgang Schäuble, who wishes to see a European Union structured in little boxes – a non European Union for that matter.

The other European front is headed by German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. She wants to proceed with a united, strong European Union and ultimately democratic. The rest of the member states confront the future of Europe – their future – through conflicts.

Greece -the Greek government for that matter – is on the first line, due to its geographical position, fortunately with the majority of its politicians united. It is certain that the country will benefit, not only in a humanitarian way, but also in political and a financial way. Those who represent a torn Europe, the Europe of the Middle Ages, are the ones that will lose.

In regards to the shocking article of the French newspaper, “Le Monde”, published on March 2nd, we encourage President Hollande to stand still on the side of Europe’s progressive powers. No European leader with self respect should be affected by the short-term rise of the Far Right. The Far – Right exists in Greece as well, but the political leadership has chosen to ignore it. It’s been supporting the government’s decisions on the refugee crisis, with its mistakes. And Golden Dawn’s poll figures are constantly decreasing compared to its share on the September 2015 elections.

*Konstantinos M. Pantzios is a journalist and a political analyst

PHOTO: Bundesregierung/Kugler