A public negotiation is taking place at the same time with the meetings that the Minister of Finances has already arranged and those of Mr. Tsipras in Paris, Rome and Brussels over the next couple days.
It is clear that Europe will not change its stance from one day to the next. It is also clear that the policy change which the new Greek government is claiming cannot be ignored. In this respect, it is worth noting the intervention of US President Obama, who clearly argued that the policy of austerity has exceeded its limits.
The next days and meetings that will take place will be decisive for how negotiations will be carried and the decisions that will be taken at the Summit and Eurogroup session. Despite its public insistence on implementing the existing program and commitments, the German side has allowed the possibility of entering a discussion. The government has also calmed its tone on German policy and Mrs. Merkel’s stance.
The public arm-wrestling match is not the best way to evaluate the progress of the negotiations. Underground and behind the scene processes are underway, alliances and sought out and reordered.
It is obvious that this procedure will be laborious with many ups and downs. In order to achieve the best possible outcome, the Greek side needs to pay a lot of attention, a plan and to evaluate relationships. Of course we have no need for challenges or being arrogant about our abilities, but we must take advantage of all of our arguments and allies at our disposal.
Greece truly needs a new deal with Europe which will allow the country to breath, but it cannot afford to relinquish it.
TO VIMA
