Current Events: Greece

As preparation for our trip in just three months, we thought that it would be a good idea to have a few current events posts, so we know what is happening in Greece & Turkey as we prepare for our travels.

Most of us know that Greece is in the midst of a financial crisis due to exceeding the restrictions set by the Eurozone for their budget deficit, as well as the rising tension in Turkey over Syria’s revolt against President Bashar-al-Assad. These posts will just provide additional information as these stories progress as well as about other interesting events happening in the area.

Media sources becoming targets for attacks. Last week, journalists’ homes were bombed by a group that had also raided a radio station earlier this month. The attacks are said to be a response to their coverage of austerity budget measures by the government. (January 12, 2013)

Shots fired into a government building in Athens. These attacks are also said to be motivated by the financial crisis, and by the belief that the government has failed to look into a list of people who have evaded taxes. So far, major opposition parties have not claimed responsibility for the attacks. (January 14, 2013)

Investigation underway about a former Finance Minister. George Papaconstantino is said to have removed his family members from the list of Greeks who have evaded taxes by holding Swiss bank accounts. A committee has been chosen to determine his possible indictment. (January 18, 2013)

Possible gold mine to be opened in Ierissos. A company from Canada who has recently opened copper, zinc, and lead mines in Greece hopes to also open a gold mine within the coming years. The decision is controversial because while it would provide as many as 1,500 jobs during a time when Greece faces many economic concerns, it also could damage plants, animals, and insects in the area.  Old mining operations have been said to pollute the land, water, and air. Opponents also worry about the potential for the price of gold to drop, which would mean that the economic benefits are not guaranteed to be as substantial as currently predicted. (January 13, 2013)

Keep watching on here, as next week I will be posting about Turkey. Also, remember our first class meeting will be Wednesday at 4pm. See you then!!

Source: New York Times