Everyone who made the effort to follow the first “debate” amongst the candidates for the presidency of the European Commission, which Mr. Tsipras was unfortunately unable to attend, will have realized how huge the political dialog gap in our country is.
It was a substantial debate, without yelling and sloganeering, without populist explosions to satiate partisan clientele, without any quibbling, but rather and air of coordination and cooperation. Even on the more controversial questions and taboo issues, the candidates did not avoid answering or taking a clear position.
It was a serious discussion with arguments, opinion and above all, without any intention to depreciate and deconstruct one’s opponents. One may agree or disagree with all the opinions expressed, but one cannot ignore that the candidates were aware of the problems and shared a common anxiety over the present and future of the European completion.
A similar discussion between our own political leaders is unfortunately extremely difficult, if not impossible. When suspicion and vague declarations prevail and serious accusations are exchanged, when debating is equated with televised cockfighting and media tactics, then arguments and the intent of cooperation go out the window.
Nevertheless, in order to clear up the hazy political landscape, so that the people can finally understand what and how things can change in our country and Europe, so that they are in the position to chose those who guarantee a better future, real political discussion is necessary: a dialog with serious arguments, obviously, instead of monologs; with criticism instead of leveling the opponents opinions, driven by the people and country’s interests, rather than appealing to voters. Society demands such a debate of ideas and politics and it is high time that the political leaders understood it.
TO VIMA
