Exclusive: Ex-Greek PM George Papandreou on Fiscal Crisis and Why He Backs Occupy Movement

www.democracynow.org - In an exclusive interview, Democracy Now! speak with former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, who is attending the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa. Papandreou was forced to resign last month when he suggested holding a national referendum to allow the Greek people to have a say in whether they would accept the European Union's bailout plan which would necessitate severe austerity cuts. We speak to Papandreou about the financial crisis, the role of banks and the importance of the growing Occupy Wall Street movement. "The Occupy Wall Street movements ... are saying something very, very specific. That inequality in the end is an inequality of power. And we need to redistribute power, not just money. Power ---- and this is I think the Democratic challenge that we have today," Papandreou says.

To watch the complete daily, independent news hour, read the transcript, download the podcast, and for more reports from the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Durban, visit http://www.democracynow.org/tags/durb...

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  News & Politics

[YiannisThiakos]

Mr Papandreou, a greek citizen writting. You behaved as as slaves. You betrayed all your voters and all the citizens of Greece. You a fenomenical Socialist gave all of our state property to the banks. You gave your state's existance a lethal blow that us likely to bring to the death of our sociaety, You, your father and your goverment(s) made us (an allways proud nation) to be looked down by europeans like british and germans, by racist enslaved and unfaithfull barbarian. We are better that you!

[Sokratis Freeman]

αντε γαμησου george.......προδοτη,κλεφτη,αλ­ητη,πουλημενο τομαρι,ανθελληνα μασονε,κι εσυ κι ολοι οι προκατοχοι σου......

[Smartssssss]

A brilliant policy maker but a terrible public relations strategist. At least he had an honest vision for a 21st century Greece based on pragmatic ideas; digital administration, the green energy economy, and increasing exports. unfortunately many Greeks (not all) didn't like honest government and just wanted more state money for fake work. The measures no doubt were tough but I think are necessary for the nations long-term well being. People should stop being so self-centered.

[am1966ath]

Yes youre right but the greecs continue to support the same predator-canibalistic/selfish politicians..and whois corrupt Papandreou to talk about tax-heavens?? he and his party hasprobably stashed away wast sums themselves abroad whileletting poor greecs pay taxes they can t no longer pay.

[moijoune]

wow...he may seem like the kind of person he would stand up for women's rights, stand up for the environment, stand up for the poor and helpless... :p....DON'T BE FOOLED! In reality his policies are doing *exactly* the opposite!! Slashing anybody's rights, making everyone poorer and helpless!!! There is no doubt in my mind that he *must* be put accountable for the major humanitarian - financial - social crisis he has brought upon Greece!! As for me, I live for that moment!!!

[Steven Bunbury]

Love your comment My mother is Greek and I grew up in Greek politics: first, in Pasok, now in SYRIZA I'm so sick of these socalled Left parties like Pasok saying all the right things but then selling out their citizens to the highest corporate bidder The Greek people are NOT lazy or spoiled. The Greek 1% hasn't contributed anything to their country They're traitors! It's high time we had politicians who actually care about their people and will really fight for them! Greeks are better than Pasok

[petros k]

autos o euraios ithele polli ksilo!

[Pavlos Pavlou]

Your name is George Papandreou? Γιωργο δεν σεν λενε?

[am1966ath]

Unfortunately many greecs voted for this moron??

[IIThesaviour]

A half Greek half English man here. The idea of Papandreou "supporting" the occupy movement is absurd. When Syntagma was occupied by the aganaktismenoi (The indignant), it was papandreou's government who ordered the police to run them over with motor bikes, to tear gas a crowd with Elderly people and children in it. Democracy was born in the country I call home and this man who is not even Greek has single handedly killed it. Good luck my Brothers our future will be difficult...

[karavoskilo]

traitor

[akis had]

Τι πινει ρε ο πουστης ?