For the past two weeks the country has been in uproar over the privatization or selling off according to the opposition, of the infamous “mini DEI”. This high-tension conflict is mostly political and does not highlight the country’s real problem of energy self-sufficiency and competitiveness. This is essentially political shadowboxing that won’t allow people to understand what is at stake; neither will the political leaders sit down and discuss the real problems that such a critical industry for the country’s future is facing.
There are unionist leaders struggling to hold on to as many of their gains from the past, while the government and opposition clash over the pursuit of political hegemony. The obvious consequence is that on the one hand we have outdated methods of dealing with the problem through the civil mobilization, while on the other we have extreme political tactics with threat of a referendum.
Energy and DEI however, are the main driving force of the economy and social life and especially now, it cannot be treated like a game of political or underground business interests, especially when DEI cannot live up to its role these days. The necessary discussion however, about what needs to be done, how it will develop, who and how will make the necessary investments is lost in the battle of impressions.
A country like Greece, which is at a crossroads, does not have the luxury for such fruitless battles, especially in critical matters, such as its energy self-sufficiency. The government and opposition have the duty and responsibility to discuss their different opinions and seek out the lowest common denominator that will ensure that the strategic industry has a sustainable future. At some point the general interest of the country must come before the political, union, business or local interests.
TO VIMA
