The transfer of the next meeting with the troika from Athens to Paris may not result in a restriction of our creditor’s control, but it is a first symbolic step towards gaining independence from its tight grip. For the past four years or so the troika’s appearance in Athens heralded a period of constant tension and conflict, until the collection of the next installment was green-lit. To be fair the responsibility for this hostile climate does not lie only with the demands or obsessions of the creditor representatives and the IMF in particular; there were also our delays and procrastinations which allowed these conflicts to arise.
Despite the outstanding work still existing, the climate appears to be changing. The refutation of the troika’s estimations regarding the progress of the economy, especially in the past year, was definitely a factor that changed the landscape. The political climate that developed in Europe after the last European elections too must have played a role.
It is a given that there is still a long way to go until Greece can gain its autonomy and independence, within the framework of the European Union. IT seems though that the first steps have been made, thanks to the sacrifices of the Greek people. If the government’s estimations are confimed and we will exceed the financial goals that have been set, then this path will become easier.
It goes without saying though that the financial consolidation is not enough to exit the crisis once for good. Despite the steps that have been made, the rate of unemployed remains excessive and businesses are on the brink due to a lack of cash flow. As a result, the road to becoming a normal country again is rough and slippery. Troika or no troika, Greece requires a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of production; it needs a national, social and political agreement to be able to hope for a return to growth, so that the people who are suffering today can hope for a better future. Without such a plan the meeting the troika –in Athens or Paris – cannot truly change the overall picture.
TO VIMA
