Decidedly, "austerity of governmental social programs" is the kissing cousin to "privatization of public assets" as part and parcel of neoliberal principles, for example, Troika (European Central Bank, European Commission, and International Monetary Fund) and austerity "the dismantling and privatization of public health and education systems" (Pablo Iglesias).
Throughout Europe, Troika's influence, or "neoliberalism on steroids," has been hand-feeding kernels of dissent to popular uprisings. The imposition of draconian austerity measures inflicted upon Greece and the Mediterranean nation-states is rapidly, very rapidly, nursing a badly bruised European Left back to robust health.
It's not only Greece where the Left resonates. Thanks to neoliberal dictates amongst the European financial ruling elite, the Left has become fashionably acceptable to everybody in the street, off the street, and across the street. And of even more significance, on a practical basis amongst the aggrieved, the Left appeals more so than ever in recent history, and therein exist a source of strength the Left has sorely missed for decades. "On a practical basis" is meaningful to lots and lots and lots of people whenever social welfare cuts serve to undercut meager livelihoods.
Comment: All that for 5 grams of crack.