Greece has had many bitter experiences from the power games between dominant political factions.
The unfortunate war of 1897 was declared under pressure from political rivalries. The collapse of the front at Minor Asia and the catastrophe of 1922 came as a result of the clash between royalists and Venizelists. And in recent years the civil war after the German occupation ended was caused by the pursuit for power.
Much later, political rivalries and the unbridgeable gap between the political factions paved the way for the colonels to put their illegitimate plans into action, allowing them to overthrow the democratic regime.
Now again, during the crisis and after five years of hard efforts and profound sacrifices by the Greek people, political rivalries are interfering with the prospect of disentangling and liberating the Greek economy from the long cycle of retreat and stunted growth.
The three-day discussion in Parliament highlighted the intensity of the political games, which are a great distance away from society and the people.
If one were to evaluate the people’s behavior from 2012 onwards, one will notice tolerance and patience.
The collective demonstrations have been restricted to a bear minimum, the instances of violence have also been set under control, the people endure and most – despite the difficulties – fulfill their many obligations towards the State. Even for the ENFIA, the real estate tax that is in absurd and unfair in the eyes of the people, there are endless lines at the banks so that people can pay it.
The Greek people, without a doubt, desires a return to normalcy and does not want to see the efforts and sacrifices of years going to waste. And the Greek people are show this in every possible way.
It is unfortunate that the political factions are not responding to this call. They are focused on assuming power; that is what they privilege and guides them.
They could all agree on a common stance and goal in this final critical negotiation for the debt, particularly the main competitors.
Not for any reason other than denying our creditors and partners the argument of a political danger and the threat of returning to a cycle of bankruptcy.
The Greek people does not deserve such a fate. The effort and sacrifices cannot playing in a game of dice for power.
Stavros P. Psycharis
Originally published in the Sunday print edition
