The Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) salutes the people of Greece for decisively choosing to break the chains of austerity and debt. In a historic referendum yesterday, July 5, over 60% of voters said “No” to stronger austerity measures imposed by the “troika” – the International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank and European Commission.
We and many other peoples of the global south share their struggle against illegitimate debt, austerity measures and neo-liberal economic policies. We know only too well the devastating impacts of debt and anti-people policies imposed by the IMF, other international financial institutions and lender governments.
They have wreaked havoc in countries around the world, plundering natural resources and pushing people deeper into poverty in favor of elites and corporations. But instead of owning up to their responsibility, they have chosen to blame the very people they have wronged and insist on the perpetuation of illicit financial policies and illegitimate debts.
We will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Greece as they enter a new phase in their struggles. We reiterate our call for the cancellation of all illegitimate debts, in Greece, in our countries and elsewhere. We also call for an end to the imposition of austerity measures and other neo-liberal policies which have trampled on the very freedom and dignity of peoples across the world.
6 July 2015