Angela Merkel Visits Greece, Greeted By Protesters Dressed as Nazis

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Greece today. Her reception was not the most pleasant, with some protesters dressing in Nazi uniforms.

Yesterday European finance ministers approved the European Stability Fund. The bailout fund is made up of contributions from 17 countries, with Germany's contribution to the pot accounting for a little over 27 percent of the fund. Because of the burden being placed on German taxpayers many German politicians have been insistent on strict austerity measures being in place in order for countries like Greece to have access to the fund. The conditional austerity measures being imposed by countries like Germany are what many of the protesters are upset about.

Merkel's visit is largely symbolic, and she lost no time trying to emphasize that she understands the hardship being endured by Greeks. However, she has also said that austerity and reform are necessary for future economic prosperity. How politically feasible the German bailout contributions and the Greek attempt at austerity are remains to be seen.  

The Guardian is running a live blog on the visit featuring updates on the ongoing protests and political developments.

Comments

[Paul.]

Merkel's visit is largely symbolic, and she lost no time trying to emphasize that she understands the hardship being endured by Greeks.

Running out of other people's money is very hard.

[Drake]

Well, she did grow up in East Germany...

[HazelMeade]

Clearly, they havn't run out of German money yet.

[Suthenboy]

"... Dressed as Nazis"

They arent playing dress up. They are nazis.

[The Craig]

I believe you meant to say:

You know who else dressed as a Nazi...

[Slithery D]

Prince Harry?

[Ted S.]

Max Moseley?

[LTC(ret) John]

Nazis?

[LTC(ret) John]

Illinois Nazis?

[Pro Libertate]

If I were Greek, I'd avoid giving the Germans any ideas. Also, not bailing them out = Nazism? I think some short memories are at work.

[sarcasmic]

Not giving equals taking.

If someone is expecting a freebie, and you don't give it to them, you might as well have stolen from them since they were counting on that freebie. I mean, they were counting on it. They budgeted for it and already spent it. It's theirs. And you don't give it to them? That's outright theft! You fucking monster!

/Tony

[Paul.]

Actually, not being taken from = greedy.

[Drake]

Cutting welfare = racism.

[HazelMeade]

They want reparations.

[Pro Libertate]

Yeah, I remember that. I think that ship has sailed.

[Rich]

Her reception was not the most pleasant, with some protesters dressing in Nazi uniforms

and some government officials dressing like this.

[Pound. Head. On. Desk.]

And no one was convicted of hazing?

[Paul.]

Hey! I get in trouble whenever I post that picture!

[Proprietist]

If I were Merkel and I saw that protest, I would have said "Eff you, you unappreciative little prickwads. Go fend for yourselves."

[Tulpa Doom]

I seriously doubt the German banks holding Greek debt would enjoy that.

[johnl]

Why would a bright Greek kid stay there and put up with this when he can get a job in DE?

[Eduard van Haalen]

The *bright* Greek kids probably left already. You see who's left.

[Greg83]

Is the left naturally retarded, or did the government schools make them that way? Probably a little bit of both.

[sarcasmic]

This is what happens when people are conditioned to feel, not think.

[Greg83]

It's amazing how history so recent can be so badly misconstrued. Hell, my grandfather, who fought the actual Nazis, is still alive.

[Ken Shultz]

If I were one of those Germans who thought bailing out Greece was the right thing to do from a European integration perspective, I'd be rethinking that perspective right about now.

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.

Somehow, I guess they imagine that the markets would finance their bloated government spending at better terms than Germany's willing to give them?

Talk about stupid people doing stupid things.

[Tim Cavanaugh]

Gotta reuse this one about when Merkel was crossing the border into Greece:

Customs official: "Occupation?"

Merkel: "No, just a short visit."

[LibertyMark]

Ha! That caused me to have a hearty chortle. Thank you!

[Paul.]

*rimshot*

[LTC(ret) John]

Niiice.

[Mike M.]

Poor Chancellor Merkel got Godwined.

[R C Dean]

How politically feasible the German bailout contributions and the Greek attempt at austerity are remains to be seen.

At some point, political feasibility will bow to mathematical feasibility.

Let's face it: there isn't enough money in Europe to carry the debt, which is still expanding. They have two choices: default/allow exits from the Euro, or debase the Euro via ECB money-printing. That's it. The sooner they choose, the better.

And they may wind up with both. I could easily see them startingdown the debasement path, and having Germany (or another relatively solvent northern country) decide they don't want to live under a debased Euro, and exiting anyway. The Germans already have a Euro exit ready to trigger.

[Scruffy Nerfherder]

After the election

[HazelMeade]

Exactly.

[Warren]

You deadbeats are in default. On behalf of Deutsche Bundesbank and the other holders of Greek debt I'm taking possession of the Parthenon. If you don't make your payments in full and on time, I'll be back next year for the Acropolis.

If you want to just hand over all of Athens now, we could extend you a two year grace period interest free. Francly we'd make much better use of a Mediterranean port than you have.

[$park?]

Francly we'd make much better use

I see what you did there and the Swiss won't be happy.

[Warren]

Good point. Better make it:
Mark my words...

[Restoras]

One way or another, the Greeks are going to get it Greek style and they only have themselves to blame.

[Mike M.]

They're going to take it in the rear?

[darius404]

Wait, does the Greek constitution have a "Good and Hard" clause too?

[HazelMeade]

They're trying to extract a little bit of Nazi gilt from the Germans.

[Paul.]

Nice.

[LTC(ret) John]

Well played, well played indeed.

[Eduard van Haalen]

What does the Golden Dawn Party think? I mean, they probably hate Merkel, too, but they think it gives her too much of compliment to compare her to a nazi.

[??? ??????]

thanks