One again we find ourselves before a long round of discussions with the troika.
This time the subject of the negotiation is the implementation of the current program, namely the 600 or so actions and reforms, which are a prerequisite for the next critical debt settlement.
It is clear that the government is unable to comply with all of these obligations within in a month, before the next review in September.
To that effect the government is seeking changes so that the program is realistic and workable, while not risking the debt negotiation.
The troika is essentially asked to pick the major and critical prior actions and to let the Greek government handle the details at its own leisure.
That is one version of the main demand that the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras posed to Jean-Claude Juncker during their discussions.
That way, the government wants to “clear the path” to the debt settlement, while limiting the troika’s role and unbearable pressure on Greek affairs.
It is taking advantage of the better circumstances arising following the credit rating upgrades from international agencies, the positive climate for Greece and the many doubts that have been cast over the troika’s roles mistakes and problematic choices, which have affected the Greek economy.
This is all common knowledge and if our partners truly want to help they could accept a more realistic reform program ahead of the debt negotiations and liberate the country and its economy from such a tight and restrictive framework, which hinders and stifles growth and the country’s exit from the crisis.
It is crucial that the country manages the best possible debt settlement while gaining the freed of choices, to regain its financial independence so that it can plot and implement it own financial policy. After al, we have accumulated much experience and knowledge surrounding the Greek problem.
The question posed is whether this combined pursuit is realistic or if it is one of the usual Greek dares before the critical negotiations with our partners and creditors.
The risk is truly high and the experience from similar attempts is not the best.
However it is commonly accepted that you cannot exercise Politics in a state of dependence and prolonged captivity.
In this respect, it is worth attempting to “liberate” Greece…
Antonis Karakousis
