The assessment that Trump’s election will, unfortunately, play a negative and decisive role in dealing with the climate crisis, with huge implications for the present and the future of the planet, was expressed by former Prime Minister George Papandreou in his radio interview (ERA PATRAS).

“Trump said after his victory that he will keep what he has said. He will be judged by his actions and statements, and what he has said is very specific. Europe-US relations will be shaken,” said Mr. Papandreou, pointing to the defense and security in Europe as the first consequence. “It is an issue for which we Greeks and the PASOK governments have always supported the need for a European defense and fought for it. Today, however, it is an imperative. In a period of active conflict, not only in Gaza, but also in Ukraine and in general due to Russia’s aggression, the issue of security is crucial for Europeans“, emphasized the former prime minister.

According to George Papandreou, D. Trump has shown a general sympathy towards authoritarian regimes and authoritarian leaders, something not at all pleasant for Western countries and peace.

He also emphasized that “the newly elected American President talks about economic protectionism. He plans to impose high tariffs on European products. Imagine the cost this will have on European industry and the daily lives of European citizens. As for climate change, Trump denies it. It is obviously aware of its existence, but it serves big interests such as the oil industries and seeks to maintain their support».

The former prime minister underlined as an immediate priority “Europe to recover and has two choices: either it will face its systematic undermining and disintegration, or it will seize the opportunity to emerge as a leading power worldwide with its principles – freedom, cooperation of peoples, human rights, and humanization of globalization and of capitalism, which today creates huge economic inequalities, which result in power inequalities that control democratic institutions. Unfortunately, Europe is in a conservative turn and we must fight for a democratic and social democratic Europe».