The CDU-related Konrad Adenauer Stiftung foundation has published a report n the upcoming general elections in Greece, where it expresses its concerns and worries.
The authors, Susanna Vogt and Jeroen Kohls, denote that the main opposition party SYRIZA is “closer than ever” to win the elections, thanks to “unrealistic” proclamations. According to the report, the major concerns appear to be over SYRIZA’s administrative and technocratic abilities, considering the short time that the new government will have.
The report further argues that Sunday’s elections are “contradictory”, citing surveys suggesting that 55 of voters were effectively against elections in December (by supporting Presidential candidate Stavros Dimas), but now are called upon to make some serious decisions regarding domestic and foreign policy.
Additionally the political fragmentation that became more prominent in the double 2012 elections, when SYRIZA emerged as a major party, has resulted in a climate of uncertainty, with the political system not having a clear direction. This becomes clear by the “transfers” between parties. Within these circumstances, claim the authors, SYRIZA is making promises both to people who believe they have nothing to lose and to people who want to maintain their privileges.
With the possibility of a Grexit looming, the report expresses concerns over SYRIZA, as well as the Stavros Theodorakis-fronted River party, which has vague positions and will not rule out any alliance, whether with SYRIZA or New Democracy.
Regarding the Giorgos Papandreou‘s Movement of Democrats Socialists, it is considered a “reaction” against the crisis-stricken PASOK, which may not make it in the new Parliament. On the contrary, the Communist Party is expected to enter Parliament and develop an opposition party strategy, while New Democracy is focusing its campaign on its government experience.
