A swirl of emotions descends on

ATHENS produce a clear winner last time and “We have nothing to lose — we have that may do the same when they vote no fear,” a woman who gave her name again on June 17. only as Maria said as she stood in Syn­ In lull between electrons, On Thursday, a caretaker prime min­ tagma Square. “It’s a transitional peri­ fear and anger dominate ister, Panagiotis Pikrammenos, named od. We will find our way.” a temporary cabinet of diplomats and Nearby, newspaper headlines joked as an outcome is awaited academics, while 300 new members of about the interim prime minister’s last Parliament took their oaths of office be­ name, which means “embittered,” BY RACHEL DONADIO fore the body was to be dissolved again while others talked about how Chancel­ on Friday. The ceremony reflected the lor Angela Merkel of Germany was The breathless international headlines new forces at work on Greece’s political softening her tough line on austerity cry out about Greek chaos — fears of landscape, as members of the neo-Nazi and suggesting that Europe also needed bank runs in a country without a gov­ party Golden Dawn refused to stand some stimulus spending. “Merkel Puts ernment poised to take down the euro, when Muslim legislators were sworn in More Water in Her Wine,” a headline in and with it the global economy. But here on a Koran. the daily Ta Nea read. in the mood is more subdued. In the tense lull between elections, the Anthie Soukou, 32, an agriculturist, Two weeks after elections and a political and economic uncertainty here said she was reassured by Ms. Merkel’s month before new ones, the dominant has produced a new air of expectation, comments. “It’s comforting, in com­ feeling is anticipation mingled with fear and the sense of an endgame in which plete contrast with the grim news from and anger, as Greeks express the same Greece will fall apart or Europe will pull inside Greece,” she said. “Maybe this confusing range of views that failed to together — or perhaps both. GREECE, PAGE 3 THE GLOBAL EDITION OF THE NEW YORK TIMES FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 I 3 EUROPE

BRIEFLY Italy moves Europe to counter subversive

SOFIA violence Lawmakers ban smoking in all indoor public areas ROME The Bulgarian Parliament voted Thurs­ day to ban smoking in all indoor public As fiscal crisis deepens, spaces starting on June 1 in an attempt tax offices have become to persuade one of Europe’s heaviest smoking nations to kick the habit. frequent targets of anger The European Union’s poorest mem­ ber state joined a growing list of na­ BY GAIA PIANIGIANI tions to ban smoking in bars and res­ AND ELISABETTA POVOLEDO taurants. It also agreed to forbid smoking outside nurseries and schools After months of growing social tensions and at stadiums during sports and cul­ stemming from Italy’s economic crisis tural events. More than 40 percent of and new taxes imposed by the govern­ Bulgarian adults smoke. ment, the Interior Ministry announced Inspectors will impose fines of up to extraordinary steps on Thursday to 5,000 levs, about $3,250, for a first of­ stop attacks on tax collection offices and fense and up to 10,000 levs for a repeat to “neutralize” subversive activities. violation for bar owners or managers The move came in response to a fresh who tolerate smoking in restricted outbreak of violence, from both tax- areas. Smokers who break the law face squeezed individuals who have turned a fine of up to 500 levs for a first offense, their anger on Equitalia, the publicly which could be doubled for repeat viola­ owned tax collection agency, and by rad­ tions. A survey showed that 56 percent ical groups that have emerged with new of Bulgarians, the second-heaviest force by modeling their tactics on the do­ smokers in the European Union after mestic terrorists that tried to destabilize Greeks, opposed the total ban on

Italy in the 1970s and early 1980s. smoking in closed public areas.(R e u t e r s ) Last week, an anarchist group shot the leg of Roberto Adinolfi, the chief execu­ VILNIUS, LITHUANIA tive of Ansaldo Nucleare, a unit of Fin­ meccanica Group, the Italian military Mother regains child custody and aerospace conglomerate. “Gripping with the help of riot police the gun, choosing and following the tar­ Riot police officers helped a mother re­ get,” read a rambling communiqué from gain custody of her 8-year-old daughter the group published by the Milan daily ARIS MESS1NIS/AGENCE FRANCEPRF.SSE on Thursday in a case that has riveted Corriere della Sera, “were the logical Panagiotis Pikrammenos, the caretaker , arriving in Parliament in Athens on Thursday. He has named a temporary cabinet of diplomats and academics.Lithuania for three years and led to consequence of an idea of justice.” three deaths. The group pledged to attack other Thirty-nine protesters were detained Finmeccanica targets, and on Thursday as they tried to prevent the police from the company confirmed that the gov­ carrying out a court order allowing the ernment had reinforced security mea­ mother to take her daughter from a sures for the company’s senior man­ Greeks feel a swirl of emotions house where relatives have been keep­ agers and other employees. ing her. Many residents in the southern The government said it was also town of Garliava violently opposed the alarmed by protests and the numerous GREECE, FROM PAGE 1 runs, the uncertainty has caused many order because they alleged that the attacks, including letter bombs and shows we do have a voice after all, that Greeks to take money out of their ac­ girl’s mother, Laimute Stankunaite, makeshift explosive devises, aimed atshe got our message. Or maybe it’s the counts. “Right before elections, nothing was part of a pedophile ring. But early Equitalia branches, as well as the har­ recent election in Germany and the gen­ was moving, it was like people were in Thursday Ms. Stankunaite and her law­ assment of its officials. Earlier this eral atmosphere in Europe and we just shock. No deposits, no withdrawals. Two yer — both wearing bulletproof vests month, an Italian businessman in finan­ think we made a difference.” days after elections, the panic started,” and surrounded by dozens of police car­ cial trouble took 15 hostages at an Many in the international financial said a banker in a branch in downtown rying shields — whisked the girl out of Equitalia office in Lombardy, demand­ community were perplexed that Greece Athens who declined to give her name. the house to a waiting van. ing that tax officials and journalists hear would upset months of relative calm by “I've witnessed a loyal customer clos­ In 2009, the girl’s father, Drasius him out in a tax dispute. calling new elections that yielded so ing her account, all €150,000 of it, putting Kedys, claimed his daughter was being Interior Minister Annamaria Cancel- much uncertainty that its membership it in her handbag and walking out the abused by a pedophile ring involving lieri, said the attacks “confirmed the in the euro zone was is now in question. branch,” the banker said. She added that Ms. Stankunaite. After Mr. Kedys failed need to maintain a high level of vigil­ But for many Greeks, there was a pro­ it was more common for people to take to get a court order protecting his ance and attention,” and pledged to re­ found desire to try something, anything, out smaller amounts, €3,000 to €5,000. daughter, he allegedly killed a judge deploy more than 24,000 police and mil­ new after two years of wage cuts and “It’s the middle ground between their and the mother’s sister, both of whom itary officers as needed to defend more tax hikes under a Socialist government. uncertainty and their fear that if we ab­ he accused of being part of the pedo­ than 14,000 targets and 550 persons “Even if it was just to release the ruptly return to the drachma, they can phile ring. Mr. Kedys then disappeared, against perceived threats. pressure that had built for so long, the have some money for the first few days.” only to be found dead near a reservoir Acknowledging that Equitalia and people wanted to express their anger Some say that Greece is at a major in unexplained circumstances two revenue officials had a tough job be­ and disappointment,” Fotini Bombola, historical turning point. The May 6 elec­ years ago. cause no one likes to pay taxes, Prime 45, said at her craft store, Happy Cloud, tion results were “national suicide,” Minister Mario Monti said Thursday in downtown Athens. “What they said said Theodoros Pangalos, a Socialist LONDON that the economic crisis made their was, We’re not sheep for you to take to EIRINIVOURLOUMIS FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES Party veteran and former deputy prime Murder conviction overturned work “even more difficult and delicate,” the slaughter with our heads down.” Vassiliki Gousiou, who voted for Greece’s Communist Party, on Vouliagmeni Street, whereminister. He said that Greece had re­ and had made them targets. “This is not She said she had voted for the leftist many stores are closed. “I’m afraid — and I’m angry that they want to scare me,” shevealed said. its tendency for self-harm in after justices review case acceptable,” he said. He expressed the party Syriza, which surged at the polls 1922, in the bloody conflicts as the Otto­ A man convicted of murder as a teen­ and is vying for first place in new elec­ man Empire collapsed, and again when ager has had his conviction overturned The recent violence tions. Asked how she could square re­ closed and there was a far more palp­ just do it unilaterally,” he added, refer­ Greece followed World War II with a by judges after more them seven years is “dictated by a deep sense jecting the loan agreement with want­ able sense of concern. “I’m afraid. And ring to the bailout deal. “We are digni­ civil war. in jail. ing to stay in the euro, Ms. Bombola I’m angry that they want to scare me,” fied people, we have taken money and “This is a country where Eros is very Sam Hallam, 24, was released after of fear and insecurity, a dim said: “If they tell us ‘You have to leave,’ Vassiliki Gousiou said in front of a now we have to give it back. But they powerful and Thanatos is very tempt­ prosecutors here said they would not view of the future.” it’s for us to keep our dignity even with a shuttered shop. She said she had voted have to cut us some slack. ing,” Mr. Pangalos added, referring to contest his appeal. Mr. Hallam had lot of pain. I’d rather have that even for the Communist Party and would do Others who said they had voted for the ancient Greek concepts of love and been found to be part of the gang that though I want to be in the euro.” so again. smaller parties in the last election death, the life instinct and the self-de­ murdered 21-year-old Essayas Kas- government’s “unconditional support” Many Greeks are beginning to realize Although the May 6 elections saw would return to the larger ones next structive one. sahun in north London in 2005. But no to tax officials and condemned the “nu­ what the next election will be about. many people crossing party lines for the month. “People have to move to the But other Greeks said such historical forensic evidence linked him to the merous acts of intimidation and aggres­ “The true dilemma in the next election is first time, ahead of the June 17 elections, right to fend off this uncertainty,” said sweep merely gave cover to the Greek scene and a hearing was told that new sion” they have been subject to. to stay in the euro zone or out,” said Har­ a new line is forming between right and Dimitris Dimopoulos, 86, another politicians who brought the country to evidence cast doubt on his identifica­ The economic crisis, compounded by is Karamaneas, 40, who works in the con­ left following the collapse of the Social­ lifelong Socialist who said he had voted this pass and now are forcing Greeks to tion as being among those involved. difficulties in getting bank loans even in struction industry. “It will be the mo­ ist Party. for a smaller right-wing party, Inde­ choose between a failed political class or On Thursday Mr. Hallam’s conviction cases when the government has out­ ment of truth for a lot of people who voted “The leftists are dangerous. They will pendent Greeks. “We can’t afford to exiting the euro. was canceled by three senior justices standing debts with small businesses, with anger in the previous election.’ ’ kick out any remaining business from have a left-wing government.” “I don’t think they’re bluffing but I’m after a review of his case. (ap> has fueled the backlash against The country had no stable govern­ the country,” said Dimitris Tsamis, 59, Some Greeks said they believed that mostly angry,” said a 25-year-old who Equitalia, which has become a focus of ment, the fate of the euro was hanging in an unemployed construction worker Europe was still bluffing about Greece studied biomedical engineering but is ANKARA widespread frustrations. Some Italians the balance, but the sun was shining and and lifelong Socialist who voted for the exiting. “If Greece leaves the euro then now unemployed. “Of course I’m afraid Kurdish rebels kill 3 Turkish soldiers also blame Equitalia for the rash of sui­ no one in the cafe where he was eating conservative party for the rest of the Mediterranean will have because they don’t care about us. Kurdish rebels killed three Turkish sol­ cides on the part of indebted entrepre­ looked particularly worried. “You know the first time. “They couldn't even form to leave,’ ’ a man who gave his name only They’re playing their own little games diers in southern Turkey on Thursday, neurs that have been making headlines the Greek paradox,” Mr. Karamaneas a government now that they had the as Giorgos said as he played backgam­ and in the end we take the fall.” officials said. Rebels of the Kurdistan in Italy in recent months. said with a laugh. chance.” mon with a friend in a park. ‘ ‘and what is Workers’ Party are fighting for “The discourse surrounding But a few miles away in the Daphne “I am all about a gradual unhinging Europe without the Mediterranean?” Dimitris B ounias and Niki Kitsantonis autonomy in the largely Kurdish Equitalia is too emotional and propa- neighborhood, dozens of shops had from the memorandum, but we can’t Although there have not been bank contributed reporting. southeast. (ap> gandistic,” Alberto Orioli, deputy direc­ tor of the economic daily Sole 24 Ore, wrote last week. “ But the real enemy is the crisis, not Equitalia.” Concerns about domestic terrorism run high in Italy, which lived through the After dozens of arrests, phone-hacking investigations could ‘last years’ so-called Years of Lead, in the 1970s and early 1980s, when politicians, trade un­ LONDON colleagues were accused of perverting the scandal could air new information. ing, or BSkyB, instead of adjudicating it fees. The police have said that there are ion leaders and business leaders were the course of justice by removing mate­ Among those who could face charges is impartially. probably more than 800 victims. under siege by radical groups. Since BY RAVI SOMAIYA rials pertinent to police investigations Andy Coulson, the former editor of The It is unclear whether Mr. Cameron The judge overseeing the cases, Gepf- then, terrorist groups have carried out — charges she called “unjust.” News of the World who later became Mr. and his chancellor of the Exchequer, frey Vos, set a trial date of Feb. 18,2013, actions intermittently, killing two prom­ The phone-hacking scandal that shook Ms. Brooks, who is to appear in court Cameron’s director of communications. George Osborne, will also give evidence for any cases that are not settled out of inent labor reformers in 1999 and 2002. Rupert Murdoch’s global media empire on June 13, will most likely not be the If it is proved that those in Mr. Mur­ on their relationships with the Murdoch court. “Terrorism is endemic in capitalist and hit the heart of the British govern­ last to face prosecution, the police and doch’s employ conspired to pay public family and company executives. News International has also come un­ societies,” and finds space to grow in ment began quietly on a Monday in 2005 prosecutors said. There are three police officials to further business interests, Both officials have faced embarrass­ der some pressure to waive legal priv­ moments of economic inequality, said when aides to the British royal family operations, Scotland Yard confirmed: experts say he could be at risk of sanc­ ing allegations that dinners and parties ilege and allow the release of an internal Sabina Rossa, a lawmaker with the gathered in a palace office appointed Operation Weeting, which is examining tions in the United States under the For­ dossier on hacking, compiled by the law Democratic Party whose father was with priceless antiques to air suspicions illegal voice mail interceptions, employs eign Corrupt Practices Act. Even a A police budget for all the firm BCL Burton Copeland in 2006, that killed by Red Brigade terrorists in 1979, that their voice mail messages had been 95 officers and staff members and has small fine would threaten to take the inquiries extends into 2015. might reveal whether senior executives during a televised interview Sunday. intercepted. made 22 arrests; Operation Tuleta, scandal across the Atlantic and increase knew of widespread illegality even as Andrea Margelletti, a security expert Seven years and dozens of arrests which is looking into computer hacking, political pressure on Mr. Murdoch’s lu­ they said that hacking was limited to and founder of a Rome-based research later, the day after the latest criminal employs eight and has made three ar­ crative U.S. interests. with the Murdochs, including a gather­ “one rogue reporter,” Clive Goodman, group on international relations and de­ charges were brought, information rests; and Operation Elveden, which is A far-reaching public inquiry, led by a ing that Mr. Cameron attended on Mr. who was jailed in 2007. A News Interna­ fense, said the violence taking root in from the police, prosecutors and investi­ exploring illegal payments by journa­ senior judge, Lord Justice Brian Murdoch’s yacht, reveal an inappropri­ tional spokeswoman declined to com­ Italy was “dictated by a deep sense of gators indicated on Wednesday that the lists to public officials, employs 29 and Leveson, is running parallel to the crim­ ate coziness that may have influenced ment on the matter, and the law firm did fear and insecurity, a dim view of the fu­ investigations would probably go on for has made 28 arrests. inal investigations. It has elicited explo­ the BSkyB deal. not respond to messages. ture as the suicides would suggest.” years, with no obvious end in sight. “It is difficult to give an end date,” sive testimony from Mr. Murdoch, his The inquiry’s report will be released “We’re now thinking in terms of Even anarchist groups hope to capital­ Rebekah Brooks, the former editor of said a police spokesman, who declined son James and their former senior exec­ in October, Mr. Toker said, and the years, not weeks or months,” a News In­ ize “the emotional wave” sweeping Mr. Murdoch’s tabloids, The Sun and to be identified in line with policy. “We utives and will continue into July with second part of the inquiry, focusing on ternational official said, speaking on the across the country, he said. But Mr. The News of the World, who rose to be­ follow the evidence and it’s impossible appearances by leading past and the hacking scandal, will begin after condition of anonymity to discuss in­ Margelletti saw little reason to fear a re­ come chief executive of his British to say where it will lead. It’s safe to say it present politicians, said John Toker, a criminal proceedings have ended. ternal strategy. But the company may turn to the level of violence of 35 years newspaper subsidiary, News Interna­ will last years.” spokesman for the inquiry. More than 100 civil lawsuits alleging il­ not be alone. Other allegations of phone ago. tional, and a close friend of Prime Minis­ A police budget for all the investiga­ On the witness stand in the next two legal voice mail interceptions have been hacking outside of Mr. Murdoch’s em­ “Italian society has changed and some ter David Cameron’s, was among the tions into journalism extends into 2015 weeks will be Culture Secretary Jeremyfiled, according to court records. Many pire — including accusations that it took things can’t happen anymore,” he said. first to face criminal charges, the au­ and is expected to reach $64 million in Hunt, who is accused of seeking to aid suits have been settled at an undisclosed place at a large corporation — are likely “Those years brought too much mourn­ thorities announced Tuesday. Ms. total. Mr. Murdoch’s bid to take over a satel­ cost, which could reach hundreds of mil­ to emerge, one person familiar with the ing, and no one wants to go back.” Brooks, her husband and four former Criminal trials for central players in lite broadcaster, British Sky Broadcast­ lions of dollars in damages and legal investigations said.