From here on, after everything that took place at the Eurogroup, there are not many options available to the Greek government and Mr. Tsipras.

The ultimatum has been specified and it is supported by all of the Finance Ministers of the Eurozone.

Greece has been left alone, without allies and time is limited.

The Prime Minister only has three days available.

For some reasons, Mr. Varoufakis’ colleagues decided that the Greek side has no intention of compromising or a reliable alternative plan, therefore they gave an ultimatum, without hesitations or reservations.

In some way, the Ministers of Finances wanted to show to Athens that there is no political negotiation, that there are rules and agreements to uphold and that the new customs that the new Greek government is trying to introduce do not suit those in Brussels.

One could say that the dominant political European elite wants to “uproot” the Greek dispute before its spreads and infects the rest of the Old Continent, which is why such a critical dilemma has been posed to Athens.

Mr. Tsipras, therefore, does not have many options. He will either seek out a compromising solution, accepting the extension of the current program, or he will walk the path of conflict and falling out, assuming full responsibility of his choice.

In the first case things – politically – will be difficult for him and his government, but he will have the chance for stability, which may allow him moves that would allow him some opportunities.

In the second case, let us not delude ourselves; the country will be in a very difficult situation.

At the end of February the European authorities will decide that the Greek economy is no longer in a program and will be left to chance, without funding or coverage, until it submits a new program for review at the EU bodies.

In the meantime a lot will be at risk.

First off, nobody can be certain of the people’s stance. Should panic prevail then the country may enter a trust crisis, with all that this entails.

But even if there is no panic, the country will have to carry on its own strength, survive on what it has and can make, as it will be isolated from the international markets and the European Central Bank will cannot continue to fund it, based on its principles and rules.

In other words, the government will have to implement what Mr. Varoufakis described as a “simple life”, accepting the limits of public and private consumption and preparing the country and the people for harder days to come.

Truth be told, nothing will be easy, nothing will be simple or obvious in case the crisis develops into a total crisis.

Mr. Tsipras will have all this and more to consider in the next few days.

The responsibility for Greece is now in his hands.

Antonis Karakousis