The political gap caused by the extended crisis in New Democracy in conjunction with the generalized retreat of the fractioned opposition in Parliament currently establish Mr. Tsipras as the sole guarantor of stability for Greece. However much some many not like it, this is the undeniable truth.

This of course increases the responsibilities of the Prime Minister, who has won all elections since the European elections in 2014 and in spite of his first government widely regarded as unfortunate and stacking a huge burden on the shoulders of the Greek people.

Despite the estimations on the performance and abilities of Mr. Tsipras and the group that accompanies him, at present he rules everything and is undoubtedly the country’s sole representative with political strength.

However the current political hegemony cannot allow the Prime Minister to relax. There are many serious challenges and threats against his government.

The Parliamentary Group of his party reluctantly voters the harsh bailout measures; society is under pressure from the slew of measures that are being passed in the blink of an eye and the promises for a better life are not being met, increasing the attrition for the Prime Minister and SYRIZA.

In spite of the challenges and dangers though, Mr. Tsipras now has the opportunity and ability to push the country’s affairs forwards – especially since he has no opponent to face – to assume his share of the cost and create the conditions of “the return of the economy to normality”. This return to normality he is said to have recently discussed with the Governor of the Bank of Greece Yannis Stournaras and the Government Vice President Yannis Dragasakis over lunch at the central bank.

Under present circumstances Mr. Tsipras may carry on with the creditor agreement, cover the second and third series of prior actions, create the necessary environment to manage the non-serviceable loans and address the upcoming pension system crisis. By completing the aforementioned, Mr. Tsipras may then claim the most beneficial settlement of the country’s debt, while hoping for financing for the Greek banking system in due time and lifting the oppressive capital controls.

Gradually though and given the political circumstances, it appears that Mr. Tsipras is adopting a more realistic path.

The traumatic experience of the first seven months, the shock from the Summit and the critical national affairs, such as the refugee crisis and international terrorism, as well as a closer contact with European politics are smoothing out his radicalism and preparing a greater turn.

It is no coincidence that in recent days Mr. Tsipras made his first reference to the need for a national consensus, with sources indicating that he is preparing the political expansion of his government.

The attrition and threat of losing more MPs in the critical votes to come and the particular internal political circumstances and dangerous developments in the broader southeast Mediterranean are seeming leading Mr. Tsipras down a new path.

In other words we are faced with new circumstances and it remains to be seen if Mr. Tsipras can meet them.

Antonis Karakousis