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An initiative group has launched a petition against the participation of George Papandreou in the global forum TEDGlobal 2013 shortly after the announcemen of the list of speakers. The international forum will take place in Edinburgh, Scotland, between 10^th and 14^th of June this year. It has the status of one of the most highly specialized world events and its importance is equal to that of the forum in Davos, but TEDGlobal 2013 focuses more on the generation of "smart ideas" for improving the quality of life in the modern world of globalization.

The former Prime Minister of Greece has been invited to speak in the first panel of the event, which is called "Moment of Truth". According to the notice on the website of TEDGlobal, Papandreou will share his experience in overcoming the crisis in Greece to guide Europe through difficult waters. In other words, based on his experience, Papandreou will give advice on how today's European leaders should guide Europe through the severe crisis.

The very idea that Papandreou can give advice on how troubled countries in Europe can successfully deal with high debt, high deficit, low productivity etc. has scandalized many Greeks, both within the country and abroad and given rise to ironic remarks, sarcasm as well as open resentment. The petition binds the current state of the country (high unemployment, deep recession, the surge in suicides and the increasing number of people who are living close to the poverty line) with Papandreou’s political decisions.

The online petition uses the platform of AVAAZ.org, which is a global web movement with over 20 million members spanning every nation -- bringing people-powered politics to decision-making everywhere. It aims to unite people from different corners of the world to support an idea, in which they believe, in order for them to influence political decision-making or to express the general opinion on topics of high public importance.

"With all due respect for those who have signed the petition, the TEDGlobal programme won’t change," reads the notice published by the organizers of the forum. "Papandreou’s experience as the PM of his country during a phase of political and economic turmoil is an interesting lens into the broader problems that continue to trouble Europe. That’s why we invited him to TEDGlobal. What he learnt from his period in office gives him a rare insiders’ viewpoint, at a crucial moment for the continent," the organization defends its decision.