The European continent is grappling with the ramifications of austerity measures, and nowhere has this struggle been more pronounced than in Greece. The birthplace of Western democracy has seen a rise in protests and demonstrations, with the country being at the forefront of the resistance against cuts in salaries and the increasing rates of unemployment.
Greece is no stranger to strikes and demonstrations, with one sector or another always taking industrial action. However, the scale of the recent demonstrations has not been seen since the fall of the dictatorship 35 years ago. The streets of Athens have become a platform for the expression of discontent, with workers taking to the streets to make their voices heard.
These protests have taken on a distinctive character, a blend of theater and comedy, with the workers marching in front of the national parliament. There is a heightened sense of tension in the air, as the protesters face off against the authorities, with rocks being thrown by the former and tear gas used by the latter.
However, May 5th, 2010 was different. As the members of parliament were in the midst of discussions on the extent of the cuts, workers stormed the parliament building, setting it ablaze and resulting in the tragic loss of three lives.
The Rageh Omaar Report delves into this Greek tragedy, investigating the underlying grievances that led to the protests and demonstrations. This film offers an in-depth look at the pain and frustration of the Greek people, as they struggle to come to terms with the austerity measures imposed on them.