Reactionary minorities
The fact that the country’s two mainstream parties, which together account for some 85 percent of the vote, agree on a major issue such as the review of Article 16 of the Constitution (which will open the door for the establishment of non-state universities in Greece) is a very big step. The fact that Greece’s reactionary, ever-protesting left-wing parties would mobilize every possible union to release vitriolic statements against tertiary reform was to be expected. Similarly the fact that the General Confederation of Labor (GSEE) and the largest civil servants’ union (ADEDY) are launching a work stoppage in protest is a paradox that we have grown accustomed to. Finally, the fact that some will hold a demonstration outside Parliament during the debate is an all-too-common, colorful practice. In a democracy everyone has the right to protest – even the reactionary minorities. But that does not mean that they have to be taken seriously.
