Demonstrations against the secret meeting of the world leaders, calling their elite club “Bilderberg”, took place in front of “Aster Palace” hotel in Athens. For the past few days the hotel has been guarded by divers, agents, and paratroops- just like in a Hollywood movie, because this has been the location of the meeting of some of the most powerful people on the planet, including kings and ministers, diplomats and businessmen, journalists and scientists.

The discussions of the economical brains of the planet started with analysis of the results from the G20 meeting in Washington, and how they can be implemented. The conversations emphasized on the issue of banks’ public subsidizing and the best ways it can be used for revitalizing the market. A lot of theories were developed, and the speakers showed off knowledge and decisiveness on particular topics but a specific decision, however, was not reached, said the participants at the meeting to “Vima” newspaper.

It is a surprising fact that one-third of the participants invited did not show up, justifying themselves with concerns about their security, despite the efforts of the hosts to make the area completely inaccessible for intruders.  

In the first part of the meeting the guests had the chance to get to know each other informally and share views, mainly on political subjects. The topics discussed by the closed company were related to the crisis in Afghanistan and Iraq, and what would be the consequences if American troops withdrew from Iraq. Other issues of interest for the world political leaders are the power industry, China’s strengthening and the relationships between USA and Europe, i.e. what is their condition during the current economic crisis.

According to the club rules, the members talk on one specific subject for 7 minutes, and comments, additions or questions may be introduced by the rest within 1 minute. Their only obligation is not to publish or disclose anything discussed.

A record is made of the club’s discussions in which, however, the name of the speaker is never published. The official language is English, and the conversation notes are later published in a book. The most impressive fact is that at the round-table talks everybody can say whatever they want and make any suggestions they want, without facing the risk of being judged or opposed with regard to their words.