The clouds are breaking up, the ghosts are fading away, the light at the end of the tunnel is not an illusion – so what?

What does recovery mean for all us Greeks and our country? The improvement of the economy after five years of harsh austerity fills us with joy; furthermore it sets our expectations in an Europe that is growing, one way or the other.

However, the country’s salvation and financial growth do not depend solely on the divs provided by the financial centers. It is common sense that the country’s financial recovery must be coupled by the restoration of the injustices caused by the profound austerity in Greece; especially the injustices affecting the weaker sections of society.

In other words the recovery of the social fabric is necessary, but not enough.

The restoration of the redundant public employees who were deemed excessive would not solve the problems in the economy and by extension the country as a whole. Also, neither would the restoration of wages to what they were in 2008, when the crisis broke out, solve the problems.

“Rebooting” the state with excessive employees would not solve the problems, but it would have disastrous consequences on the distribution funds, based on the logic of “there is money”.

Can anyone imagine a change from yesterday to today?

If we don’t change our thoughts and denounce the scrounger, beggar and pity-inducing mentality, every step forward will be followed by two steps back.

It is clear that the country needs many reforms. Unfortunately, the mix of political rivalries and the financial crisis lead to an social dead end.

Now that Greece is overcoming the financial crisis it must look change everything that nurtured that beast. Those who first realize that every look back must by followed by two looks ahead, will prevail in the political confrontations.

Everyone knows about the conservatives, the extremists and the daydreamers. The “revolution” has left us behind. Now we need specific measures. The country needs a fresh start.

Stavros P. Psycharis
Originally published in the Sunday print edition