There are three reasons that support the estimation that it is unlikely that we will have a triple election in May – municipal, European and (early) parliamentary.
While there is a scent of election in the political atmosphere, the interested parties do not seem to be in a rush.
Mr. Antonis Samaras doesn’t want elections because he hopes in an improvement of the political climate, due to the imminent distribution of what remains of the primary surplus.
Our European partners do not wan elections because they are afraid of the prospect of a radical change in Greece that may have unpredictable consequences.
And finally, Mr. Tsipras does not want elections immediately because he hopes in a small but gradual increase of his party’s dynamic, which – he hopes – will give him the ability to govern the country independently. Additionally, Mr. Tsipras needs time to deal with the various party members who are focusing on leftist politics from a bygone era.
The political scene is completed by MPs who are in negotiations left right and center for parliamentary and municipal seats. Many MPs, particularly of the small parties with an uncertain future, are trying to make sure they remain within the political spotlight, in expectation of better days to come.
Based on all this, it would appear that the Greek case refutes Bismarck’s famous quote of never believing anything in politics until it has been officially denied.
This calm spring election may be overturned by two or three MPs, who may put the parliamentary majority in jeopardy. In this case we will have a full-on fight with two reluctant fighters. After all, Mr. Samaras is preparing a cabinet reshuffle in the upcoming distribution of the primary surplus (Mr. Stournaras will be appointed Governor of the Bank of Greece in May).
Stavros P. Psycharis
– Originally published in the Sunday print edition
