Corfu, March 3 – Demonstrations demanding “Greece Out of the War” were held yesterday evening in Corfu, Preveza, Lefkada, and Arta. The protests, organized by Workers’ Centers, unions, and various organizations, highlighted growing public discontent over Greece’s involvement in international conflicts and the presence of military bases.
Anti-Imperialist Mobilization Across Western Greece
The mobilizations, which took place in four key locations, brought together workers, students, and citizens concerned about the country’s role in ongoing geopolitical tensions. A central demand across all protests was the immediate disengagement of Greece from imperialist wars and the closure of all foreign military bases on Greek soil.
Corfu: Workers and Students Rally Against War
In Corfu, a large rally organized by the Corfu Workers’ Center (EKC) took place at Annunziata Square, with significant participation from workers and students. Spyros Kantarelis, Vice President of the Corfu Association of Private Employees and Vice President of the EKC, strongly condemned the recent imperialist attack by the US and Israel on Iran. He emphasized that beneath the pretexts lie intense rivalries for energy resources and transport routes, warning of the significant danger posed by military bases. Kantarelis stated that these bases serve as launching pads for imperialist aggression and potential targets, endangering the Greek people.
Preveza: Unions Call for Vigilance and Action
In Preveza, a gathering was held at Theofaneio, following a call from the Prefectural Department of ADEDY, joined by public and private sector unions. Giorgos Poumpis, President of the Preveza Private Employees’ Union, stressed that workers would not accept bearing the consequences of escalating warfare, especially as the region is being transformed into a link in plans and infrastructures serving foreign interests. He urged for continued vigilance in light of ongoing developments and called on unions to reach every worker, every workplace, schools, and neighborhoods. The next major anti-war rally is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, at 6 PM, outside the NATO base in Aktio.
Lefkada: No Benefit in War for the People
In Lefkada, the Lefkada-Vonitsa Workers’ Center organized a protest at Agios Minas Square. Vivi Stamatelou, a member of the Board of Directors of the Private Employees’ Union and head of the Lefkada Peace Committee, asserted that the people have no interest in aligning themselves with war plans. She demanded that the country not be turned into a launching pad for war, echoing the sentiment of disengagement from imperialist conflicts.
Arta: “Greece Out of the War”
In Arta, the Workers’ Center called for a mass uprising at Kilkis Square with the slogan “Greece Out of the War.” Protesters denounced the deployment of military assets and the utilization of NATO infrastructures, which they argue increase the risk of the Greek people becoming targets of retaliation for a war that is not their own. The collective message across all locations was a firm rejection of Greece’s involvement in conflicts that do not serve its national interests and a call for peace and sovereignty.
Upcoming Mobilizations and Broader Context
The Workers’ Center of Lefkada and unions-bodies of Preveza have already announced further anti-imperialist mobilizations. They are calling for a new protest outside the NATO base in Aktio on Sunday, March 8, at 6 PM, indicating a sustained effort to raise awareness and pressure authorities. These protests are part of a broader movement across Greece, with similar demonstrations reported in other regions against imperialist attacks and the country’s involvement in military operations.
The current wave of protests coincides with heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly following recent attacks on Iran. Speakers at the rallies emphasized that these conflicts are driven by competition for resources and geopolitical dominance, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of the consequences. The anti-war movement in Greece seeks to highlight the dangers of foreign military presence and the need for an independent foreign policy focused on peace.
The organizers of these events stress the importance of continuous mobilization and public engagement to ensure that the voice of the people is heard and that Greece remains out of war. The upcoming rally at Aktio is expected to draw further attention to the demands for peace and disengagement from imperialist interventions.
Source: https://www.902.gr/eidisi/ergazomenoi-symmahia/415580/mahitikes-kinitopoiiseis-me-aitima-exo-i-ellada-apo-ton-polemo-se
