On Anti-Fascist Victory Day, the local group OB A’ Athens of MERA25 in Greece transformed the sidewalk outside the European Commission offices (Vasilissis Sofias 2-4) into a stage for a powerful street performance against the European Union’s increasing militarisation.

With masks of political figures like Ursula von der Leyen, Olaf Scholz, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Emmanuel Macron, activists called out the EU’s deepening war agenda. They handed out leaflets demanding peace, social justice, and democracy – instead of billions funnelled into arms and warfare.

Satirical currency against a real threat

A highlight of the action was the distribution of €1 million “banknotes,” a parody of the EU’s massive €800 billion military spending package, ReArm Europe / Readiness 2030. On one side: a tank and the figure 1,000,000. On the other:

“No to militarised Europe – No new debt for weapons – Yes to social development and climate protection.”

Messages loud and clear

Posters with biting slogans and ironic collages set the tone:

• No to Europe of war and oligarchs – Yes to peace and the peoples of Europe
• The EU prioritises arms over education, health, and human dignity
• We raise red-painted hands: complicity kills!

A large banner facing the street summed it up for passing drivers:

“Peace! No to the Militarisation of the EU – Money for Social Needs, Not for War Debt!”

The performance was backed by revolutionary soundtracks from Rage Against the Machine, Manu Chao, Dead Kennedys, Chumbawamba, The Clash, and others – drawing attention and sparking reactions from thousands of passersby.

Just the beginning

People smiled, laughed, and many stopped to engage. This was more than just protest—it was a vibrant, defiant moment of political art.

MeRA25 Athens is not done. More is coming.

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