The first event of the “58” in Athens was an impressive success, following after similar events in other cities, and illustrate in the clearest way the social and political momentum of this initiative. The parties representing the center-left these days may appear weakened, but it is obvious that the people who were in the dominant wave in the democratic camp are anxious and willing to bring it back.

The appeal of the “58” is now turning into a demand addressed to the parties, bodies, movements and divs to set aside the self pity, the personal strategies and hegemonies and worth together to bring back the faction. Not to save themselves electorally, not to cover up whatever differences they might have, not to bring back the old habits that harmed and distanced it from its electoral base, but to carry out a creative reconstitution, with a clear speech and radical – rather than populist – politics.

Yannis Voulgaris correctly pointed out that the democratic camp has consistently demonstrated that is the child of creative coups, which always managed to recover its dynamism and secularity after periods of decline. Now it has the opportunity to give it a go.

The operation is neither simple, nor easy. It is primarily important for the country, which is in need of stability and perspective, as are the people in need of it, who refuse to be bogged down by artificial dilemmas and coercive extortions. They need it, according to Mr. Swoboda and the progressive Europeans, in their effort t to change the conservative politics that dominate today.

The response to the initiative of the “58” indicates that the possibility exists. The intention of a significant amount of people is a given, as illustrated by the polls. What remains to be seen is whether the organized forces, that are struggling to take control or are caught up in their small politics and personal survival strategies, will also understand it. Neither society, nor history can wait for them. They will either accept the political challenge for the recovery of the democratic faction; either they will suffer the consequences of their insecurities and procrastination.

TO VIMA