A new condition is shaping everyday life in the neighbourhoods of the city centre. The pre-election “promises” of Mayor Bakoyannis* for the complete transformation of the centre of the Athenian metropolis into a tourist zone are being put into practice with the fencing of the last squares and their conversion into metro stations.
The displacement of oppressed populations from the neighbourhood of Exarchia, the foundations of which have been laid under the Syriza government, through the evacuation of migrant squats, continues in terms of class warfare through the appropriation of the neighbourhood.
The unaffordable rents, the posh shops with expensive goods and services, the cameras on every corner and face controls at the entrance of shops make it impossible for the social base to stay.
Housing becomes a commodity and capital is called upon to exploit it to the fullest. Houses and former squats are being converted into airbnb and luxury housing, which local and international capital is throwing into the real estate market at the expense of the needs and burdening the lives of those below.
The neighbourhood itself and its character is turned into a commodity, the daily lives of migrants and locals into a spectacle for consumption, political activity into an exhibit and the counterculture of the oppressed into an alternative brand.
The safeguarding of the circulation of goods is sealed by the Greek police, who now overrun the neighbourhood with either Deltas or with Ο.Π.Κ.Ε.**. And of course, as capital expands and consolidates, surveillance and “security” will dictate more policing.
And in this condition we are called upon to act by creating obstacles to the plans of state and capital. Not to allow more hostels and airbnb to spring up both in Exarcheia and in every neighbourhood of Athens. Let’s disrupt the operation and profitability of the countless bars and shops, let’s protect our communities by resisting the oppressors.
So we chose to attack the recently renovated building on Mavromichalis Street, breaking its glass facade. This building was converted into luxury apartments for rent under the name “Graffiti Boutique” commercializing the character of the neighborhood and attracting even more alternative tourists.
Those who attempt to enrich themselves using the past of counterculture by stepping on the oppressed subjects who create it will be met with their wrath.
REDEVELOPMENT MEANS POOR DISPLACED PEOPLE
EVERYTHING IS OURS BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS STOLEN
Anarchists
Source: athens.indymedia
Dark Nights Notes:
*Kostas Bakoyannis, Nea Demokratia (New Democracy) Party mayor of Athens, known for his pre-election promises of wanting to transform Athens into a modern European capital, economically with new tech businesses and tourism. He is also the son of Pavlos Bakoyannis, a Nea Demokratia politician who was shot and killed in the front entrance of his office in 1989 by members of the Revolutionary Organization 17 November. His mother is Dora Bakoyannis, another well known politician of the right wing Nea Demokratia, sister of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. They all have a vendetta against anarchists, leftists and communists, especially those of armed revolutionary groups.
We highlight this also to show the dynasty/mafia-esque legacy of families such as the Mitsotakis’, Bakoyannis’, Papandreou’s, Karamanlis’, Samaras’ etc.
** Delta – Motorcycle unit known for violence against protesters and anarchists. Also members are known to be fascists.
Ομάδες Πρόληψης και Καταστολής Εγκληματικότητας (Ο.Π.Κ.Ε.) Crime Prevention and Suppression Team – Special police forces with special training and heavy weaponry. Primary purpose is to intervene in ‘dangerous areas’ in order to suppress crimes. Involved in other services such as guarding high profile persons as well as transporting ‘dangerous’ prisoners. Also notoriously fascist.