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Agora

In ancient Athens, the agora was the central location where citizens gathered to hear news, discuss and, later, trade. The agora was the heart of the city’s political, cultural and spiritual life and it gave birth to the Greek word for speaking in public: ἀγορεύω (agorevo). It is this spirit we hope to channel in this section of the website.

Here, the Agora is a public forum for discussing events that are unfolding in Greece and beyond. Contributors to Macropolis, as well as guest posters, share their views on political, economic and other matters, while also offering readers the opportunity to express their opinions. As always, those who fail to respect the sanctity of this forum will not be allowed to share in its benefits.

Posts in Politics

Results 161 to 165 out of 171.

Words will always hurt

The potential words have to inspire people and drive events should not be underestimated but their ability to do harm should not be taken too lightly either. It is truly regrettable that at this crucial time in Greece, some of the country’s decision makers have chosen to appeal to the devil inside us rather than the better angels of our nature.

Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis

2 Comment(s)

Categories: Politics (171), Greece (260)

Photo by Can Esenbel [www.mundanepleasure.com] Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras held an informal dinner with some of his party’s MPs. He reportedly told them that if Greece would be able to get through a tough summer, it would “take off” in September. We are now nearing the end of October and there has been no departure for the skies. Instead, Samaras is bracing for impact.

Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis

1 Comment(s)

Categories: Europe (119), Politics (171), Economy (169), Greece (260)

Photo by Can Esenbel [www.mundanepleasure.com] House of cards (The rise and fall of Akis Tsochatzopoulos)

It was the house that did for him. Former Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos succumbed to the base desire of enshrining his wealth and potency in real estate. Hubris, however, blinded him to the dangers of choosing a property within a marble fragment’s throw of the Parthenon. On some days, the Acropolis’s shadow virtually touched the luxury apartment the PASOK veteran purchased on Athens’ most exclusive road.

Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis

3 Comment(s)

Categories: Politics (171), Society (34), Greece (260)

Who’s afraid of Angela Merkel?

Angela Merkel triumphed in the German elections. The 41.5 percent gained by the CDU/CSU put her in the same league as her conservative predecessors, Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl. While most of Europe hoped for a different outcome, Germans opted for Mutti (mummy) Angela. Her simple message was: “You know me.” This was the closest a campaign has come to Adenauer’s “No experiments” in the late 50s, and it succeeded.

Contributor: Christos Katsioulis

2 Comment(s)

Categories: Europe (119), Politics (171)

Results 161 to 165 out of 171.