There have been many political rumors circulating Parliament in the past few days. When many MPs, independent and others, spoke of forming a special purpose government, discussions spread like wild fire. Both the government and the main opposition were quick to denounce such rumors and state that no such matter will be raised.

However, it is a well-known fact that the government is facing difficulties, is under pressure from the electorate body and internal reactions from the two parties supporting and forming the coalition. It is also a well-known fact that opposition, despite publicly stating that it will come first, is concerned and uncertain as to whether it will be able to form a reliable coalition government.

Furthermore, everyone involved in politics are aware first hand that the Europeans, particularly the Germans, constantly bring up political alliances. Berlin has told the dominant political groups in Athens that the our Anglo-saxon political system cannot efficiently manage the difficulties our country faces.

The German leaders closely following the Greek political developments believe that the model of two large opposing factions that never cooperate does not suit our country.

They insist that the central European model of large coalition is better suited to us. For them an alliance between New Democracy and SYRIZA would be an ideal solution, along the lines of the Christian Democrat and Social Democrat alliances in Germany. The Berliners claim that such an alliance would offer the best and most efficient way out.

The many German political institutes – of all flavors – have theorized their proposal and associate it with the need of the Greek system finally adopting the European culture of alliance and to abandon that of large, opposing factions that never cooperate, such as with the Conservatives and Labor in Britain.

The truth is that such things are not easy in Greece. Whenever such attempts were made they were opposed or quickly failed. The “Berliners” of course do not accept that there is no room for a change in culture. Historically they have proven to be persistent. And from the three-day discussion in Parliament it appears that they might be right. Many, as it turns out, are listening patiently, so never say never…

Antonis Karakousis

Originally published in the Sunday print edition