Koutsoumbas said the government, ahead of elections, is seeking to divert attention from its ‘enormous responsibilities for scandals and crimes’ and to conceal the truth. Its aim, he said, is to prevent ‘the people from noticing the new suit it is sewing for them’ and to avoid popular reactions to the reactionary policies it is promoting.
He demanded that ‘the unacceptable process’ not continue and called for an end to ‘arrogance and reactionism’, making clear that the KKE will not support any revision of articles that contributes to the implementation of anti-popular policies.
The KKE general secretary said that behind false dilemmas, whether concerning the strengthening of the rule of law or a return to European normality, the government and the opposition are trying to hide their consensus through a ‘convenient confrontation’ and a ‘disorienting dialogue’, far removed from people’s real problems.
He said those problems are worsening amid the country’s deeper involvement in imperialist wars and ahead of a new capitalist crisis. Koutsoumbas stressed that all parties of the system agree on dangerous objectives: supporting investment plans to boost profits, strengthening the power of EU legislation and maintaining ministerial immunity.
Koutsoumbas called for the abolition of Article 86 of the Constitution ‘here and now’, so that ministers can be tried like all Greek citizens. ‘This must be done, and this is proposed only by the KKE,’ he said.
He added that for reactionary objectives to advance, ‘political stability’ is required, which, he said, translates into insecurity and instability for the people. He criticised proposals aimed at tighter control over parties, increased censorship of the media and a more intense attack on popular rights and freedoms.
Koutsoumbas proposed specific directions, including the abolition of reactionary provisions that turn the country into a ‘vast American-NATO base’; the abolition of the article providing tax exemptions and privileges for shipping capital; guarantees for universal, public and free healthcare, education and social security; environmental protection; the defence of labour and trade union rights; and permanent, stable work for all.
In closing, Koutsoumbas said: ‘All of this, which the people themselves will impose, will strengthen your difficulties, the instability of your own system, the current of questioning all of this. With its organised struggle, strengthening the KKE, it will sweep away this rotten system of exploitation, poverty and wars in its wake.’
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