Aleka Papariga

It has been 50 years since the founding declaration of New Democracy on October 4, 1974. The declaration was signed solely by Konstantinos Karamanlis, just two and a half months after his return to Greece, following 11 years of self-imposed “exile” in Paris. Thus, the party was established, which, along with PASOK, became the two main pillars of the post-dictatorial Greek Republic.

Aleka Papariga, the former general secretary of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), will not contest the next election for the party, thus bringing to an end a 30-year stint as MP.

The KKE said the party made the decision with the agreement of Papariga, 77, who headed the party from 1991 to 2013.

The Greeks have a strong Mediterranean, and short-tempered, character. This has often become evident in the past, particularly on foreign policy issues. It is a strange thing.

Greece is gripped by 24-hour strike action on Thursday called by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Greek Workers Association (ADEDY) in reaction to the Greek budget reforms and the demolition of Greek workers rights.