EU figures 'bullying' Greeks in bid to halt anti-austerity election victory

THE European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) EU Parliament group has hit out at what it describes as a "scaremongering fear campaign by certain EU officials and government leaders to influence the pre-election campaign in Greece."

The European Parliament group – which includes Sinn Féin's four MEPs as well as Luke 'Ming' Flanagan – said it is fully backing Greece's radical left coalition of SYRIZA,led by Alexis Tsipras:

"A victory by SYRIZA would be a clear and historic message for change both in Greece and the whole of Europe and against the neo-liberal policies and austerity measures that have damaged social cohesion and failed to tackle the economic crisis, providing no prospects for economic recovery, growth and fighting unemployment."

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned Greeks about "voting the wrong way" after a snap general election was called for 25 January following the failure of the Greek Parliament to elect a President in December - with polls now showing SYRIZA leading the pack. 

Commenting on SYRIZA's promise to make austerity history if they win, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said there was "no alternative" to austerity.

GUE/NGL says the unprecedented interference jeopardises both the sovereignty of Greece and democracy in Europe and accused EU figures of " bullying and inflicting terror on the Greek people in case of a victory by SYRIZA".

The group added that a SYRIZA victory could help create a "more democratic, equal and social Europe" and "be the answer not only to austerity but also to the lurking ultra-right anti-European forces."

SYRIZA MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis also assured GUE/NGL that a Greek exit from the euro or EU is not on the cards.