Our colleague Stavros Theodorakis took the decision to create a political movement in order to run in the European elections.
It is his right, obviously, nobody is judging him for it.
On the contrary, many may even admire him for his courage.
That is not the point though.
The point is what he says, what he supports, what he claims and if he is aware of the extent of problems the country faces and the responsibility he is assuming.
And since we have nothing else to judge him by, aside from his announcement for the European elections and everything he has been broadcasting over the years through his television programs, we ought to express serious reservations about his endeavor.
His announcement is full of clichés and wishful thinking about all ills that plague us, without any expansion or attempt to identify the causes, without associating it with the greater Greek problem and assuming the many responsibilities necessary for its solution.
The esteemed colleague is fooling himself if he believes that the country’s problems are like he presents them in his television programs.
In real life there is no editing, no selection of perfect shots of amazing, or – cynically – terrible moments, appropriately lit so that the television audience can stand them.
Real life is hard. When the funds are empty and there are no available financing sources, then clear choices and decisions are needed on the fly.
To guarantee wages and pensions amidst a credit crunch, you must impose taxes, decide on cuts and increase prices and contributions. To save businesses you will even be forced to carry out dismissals and God knows how much more.
Truth be told, the current political leadership may be all over the place and be treated with hostility by significant portions on the Greek people, however, every now and again, it will assume responsibility for its choices in order to ensure the essential function of the country.
During this prolonged crisis governments and governors have fallen, political parties and factions have declined, but despite the many social consequences and losses, the country did not collapse and turn in Ukraine.
Anyone who lightheartedly proclaims to be a savior, by presenting this political mess, unfortunately cannot guarantee a single thing. The government of the country is not a news report; it is not ensured with wishes and is not earned by people who wink to the marginalized.
Truth be told, the country’s salvation will not come from easy and momentary formations, or celebrities who are full of themselves.
The country’s salvation demands united and organized political forces, and a fully thought-out plan.
Otherwise, if the television and other saviors proliferate, then we will find out for ourselves that Ukraine is not that far away…
Antonis Karakousis
