Greek Photographer Wins European Competition

Greek photographer, Nikos Christofakis won the pan-European photo competition on the financial crisis. The winning photo shows a beggar outside a Greek bank.

He describes himself as a “street photographer” who doesn’t restrain himself at work. “In my job time dictates everything. I do as I feel. This is the most important thing for me. Everyone can look, but does not necessarily see,” he said about his work, adding: “The camera is my tool. Through the camera I give a purpose to everything that surrounds me.”

Regarding his victory, he stated: “I’m excited and pleased as I managed to present an aspect of Greece — unfortunately the worst — to the European Parliament, where important decisions are taken.”

The financial crisis in Greece has led to an increasing rate of poverty which is among the highest in Europe. A recent OECD report revealed that an important percentage of Greeks live in poverty with 17.9% of Greeks not being able to buy food.

Poverty is due to the increasing unemployment and the “ill-prepared” social protection system. According to the report, the number of “jobless” families has almost doubled, while one in five Greek adults is living in a household where no member is working.

Although the Greek government appears optimistic about the end of the crisis, the majority of Greek citizens don’t believe that the recession will soon end.