Obama's compelling valedictory speech
- 7 years ago
Globalisation has brought many economic benefits to the world, but needs a “course correction” to address growing inequality, US President Barack Obama said in an eagerly-awaited valedictory speech in the Greek capital.
“When we see people, global elites, wealthy corporations seemingly living by a different set of rules, avoiding taxes, manipulating loopholes… this feeds a profound sense of injustice,” Obama added.
The visit to Athens was originally planned as a farewell tour but has become focused on reassuring jittery allies after the shock election victory of Donald Trump.
Στον Ιερό Βράχο της Ακρόπολης ο Μπαράκ Ομπάμα
Περισσότερα: https://t.co/f5ocqeNi04 pic.twitter.com/wQz8dhPGa3— Euronews ελληνικά (@euronewsgr) November 16, 2016
A crude sort of nationalism
During the trip, the outgoing president has repeatedly referred to the anger that has breathed life into populist movements in Europe and the US.
On Tuesday, Obama cautioned the world to guard against “a rise in a crude sort of nationalism or ethnic identity or tribalism that is built around an ‘us’ and a ‘them’”.
“After an election, democracy depends on a peaceful transition of power. The next American president and I could not be more different.”— Catherine Hardy (@fernojay) November 16, 2016
“But American democracy is bigger than one president. That is how democracy has to work.”— Catherine Hardy (@fernojay) November 16, 2016
NATO
European governments, especially eastern countries close to Russia’s orbit, have been shaken after Donald Trump appeared to call into question Washington’s almost 70-year security guarantee.
He said he would only help NATO allies if they paid their way.
Obama stressed that Europe – and NATO – will remain a cornerstone of US foreign policy.
The US-led NATO grouping is “absolutely vital” to US interests and a strong, unified Europe is good for America and the world, Obama said.
“We know what happens when Europeans start dividing themselves up. The 20th century was a bloodbath,” Obama told the audience in Athens.
“More democracy is good for the world but it is also good for US security. This is why we stand by NATO, the world's greatest alliance”— Catherine Hardy (@fernojay) November 16, 2016
Germany
Germany is next on Obama’s itinerary.
He is due to visit Angela Merkel, whom he has described as “probably my closest international partner these last eight years.”
He will also meet the leaders of the UK, France and Italy in Berlin.
He is then due to travel to Peru, where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Pacific leaders at an economic summit.
Greece’s “extraordinary compassion”
The US president also touched on issues that have shaken Greek society: a dramatic influx of migrants fleeing war and poverty and a crippling financial crisis.
Obama praised the people’s “extraordinary compassion” for the hundreds and th
“When we see people, global elites, wealthy corporations seemingly living by a different set of rules, avoiding taxes, manipulating loopholes… this feeds a profound sense of injustice,” Obama added.
The visit to Athens was originally planned as a farewell tour but has become focused on reassuring jittery allies after the shock election victory of Donald Trump.
Στον Ιερό Βράχο της Ακρόπολης ο Μπαράκ Ομπάμα
Περισσότερα: https://t.co/f5ocqeNi04 pic.twitter.com/wQz8dhPGa3— Euronews ελληνικά (@euronewsgr) November 16, 2016
A crude sort of nationalism
During the trip, the outgoing president has repeatedly referred to the anger that has breathed life into populist movements in Europe and the US.
On Tuesday, Obama cautioned the world to guard against “a rise in a crude sort of nationalism or ethnic identity or tribalism that is built around an ‘us’ and a ‘them’”.
“After an election, democracy depends on a peaceful transition of power. The next American president and I could not be more different.”— Catherine Hardy (@fernojay) November 16, 2016
“But American democracy is bigger than one president. That is how democracy has to work.”— Catherine Hardy (@fernojay) November 16, 2016
NATO
European governments, especially eastern countries close to Russia’s orbit, have been shaken after Donald Trump appeared to call into question Washington’s almost 70-year security guarantee.
He said he would only help NATO allies if they paid their way.
Obama stressed that Europe – and NATO – will remain a cornerstone of US foreign policy.
The US-led NATO grouping is “absolutely vital” to US interests and a strong, unified Europe is good for America and the world, Obama said.
“We know what happens when Europeans start dividing themselves up. The 20th century was a bloodbath,” Obama told the audience in Athens.
“More democracy is good for the world but it is also good for US security. This is why we stand by NATO, the world's greatest alliance”— Catherine Hardy (@fernojay) November 16, 2016
Germany
Germany is next on Obama’s itinerary.
He is due to visit Angela Merkel, whom he has described as “probably my closest international partner these last eight years.”
He will also meet the leaders of the UK, France and Italy in Berlin.
He is then due to travel to Peru, where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Pacific leaders at an economic summit.
Greece’s “extraordinary compassion”
The US president also touched on issues that have shaken Greek society: a dramatic influx of migrants fleeing war and poverty and a crippling financial crisis.
Obama praised the people’s “extraordinary compassion” for the hundreds and th