A Greek consumer organization is calling for a boycott of German and Dutch products in Greece to protest against harsh economic austerity demands from the country's European partners. Sonia Legg reports.
TRANSCRIPT
REPORTER: You may be able to buy Dutch cheese in Athens supermarkets but Greeks are being encouraged not to. German products too are also on the hit list. The Greek Consumer Association Inka is calling for a boycott of all German and Dutch products in protest at the harsh austerity being demanded by Greece's European partners. Fotos Spiropoulos is Inka's legal adviser.
FOTIS SPIROPOULOS, LEGAL ADVISOR, GREEK CONSUMER ASSOCIATION INKA: "The reason was our initiative to stand against the German and Dutch economic policies and the severe measures they are trying to impose to us. Of course this initiative has nothing to do with German and Dutch people. It has to do with German and Dutch economic policies."
REPORTER: There are several German companies operating in Greece, selling electronics, cars and diary products. In 2010 German exports to the country totalled almost six billion euros. If Inka's campaign takes off 2012's exports could be much lower.
PARASKEVI TZILIANOU, CIVIL SERVANT: "I don't find it exaggerated, I agree with it. I plan to do it myself because I believe they underestimate us and humiliate us when we don't deserve it."
REPORTER: But not everyone is in favour.
GEORGE, AN ECONOMIST: "No I don't agree. We have had relations with Germany for many years. They import our products and we import theirs. Besides, this sort of action never really works."
REPORTER: Inka is also encouraging Greeks to buy local products to help boost the economy. It's campaign slogan is "not a drachma to our executioners." Many Greeks are hoping a new bailout with ensure the old currency never returns. They also hope there'll be no need for an execution. Sonia Legg, Reuters.
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