The images from Greek reality at the moment are not the best.
The highways are being shut down by indignant farmers, the city center of Athens is full of protesters every now and again and the markets almost automatically shrink whenever they sense the impending waves of political instability.
At the same time the institutions are pressing for additional measures to complete the review and the central Europeans are threatening Greece with an expulsion from the Schengen area, due to the never-ending refugee flows, in spite of the winter.
The who situations suggests that there will be political, financial and national impasses.
Greece is in danger of wasting another cycle of efforts, just like it has happened many times before during the long-term crisis.
However there is still one chance, not only to overcome the many dangers, but also to enter a period of recovery and strong growth.
That is why the representatives of major investment groups told the Prime Minister of Friday, that is what the new president of New Democracy believes and based on this prospect, many within Greece are organizing themselves accordingly.
All that is needed is for a government – the current one or some other – to fully assume the responsibility and cost and take all the necessary measures to put an end to the crisis.
Without a doubt, the country’s prosperity depends on eradicating the sense of insecurity, regaining the lost trust and strengthening the fiscal and political stability.
The common belief is that the spring of the Greek economy is fully compressed. If a little bit of pressure is alleviated, the economy will soar and offer incredible investment opportunities and abilities.
The case of Ireland, which managed to exit the crisis in time and enjoys high growth rates and low, 1% interest rates, in indicative of the Greek prospects.
If Greece with its tourism, shipping, multilingual and technologically skilled youth can convince that it is coming out of the crisis, then it will literally shine.
In this case an investment boom, similar to that in Ireland, will follow affecting the economy and the people.
It is a matter of understanding the circumstances and political will. If Mr. Tsipras does not have it, the Greek people will not commit suicide. They will seek it out elsewhere, wherever it exists.
Antonis Karakousis
Originally published in the Sunday print edition
