Neo-Nazi party hand out free food to 'real' Greeks
Big queues of hungry people in Greece, two hundred of them in Athen's central Syntagma Square who've been hit hard by the country's economic woes, those feeling the pinch of the austerity measures. But there's a more sinister undercurrent to this goodwill because the people delivering this sustenance are members of the Neo Nazi party, Golden Dawn. And the only eligibility requirement you must meet to receive the handouts is that you must be a 'real' Greek. Present a valid ID card and fill out a form. No foreigners allowed.
Far-right Golden Dawn MP, Christos Pappas says "There is no question why. We are in Greece, so Greeks have priority. The illegal immigrants that have come here, who enjoy, if you will, all the rights and privileges that come from Greek taxpayers are illegal, invaders. They are a threat to Greece."
Pasta, potatoes and olive oil in big demand, bought from local food sellers. Packed into bags along with a little light reading. The food all paid for by funding given to political parties with seats in parliament. The far-right party won 18 seats in the last elections, all off the back of rising unease in Greece over the number of illegal immigrant there coupled with harsh economic times.
Kostas was sacked 6 months ago: "I am unemployed, as you can see. I was fired from the security firm I worked at, and it owes me wages,"
Litsa used to work in Marketing but struggles to pay her rent: "We have no money, we have no job, we need to eat, we have kids and a family, bills that have been left unpaid, what can I do?"
The Golden Dawn party says it's planning more Free Food Days like these because they want to help Greek people in a time of need.
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