The first cycle of contacts between the government and high-ranking European officers, which concludes today with the meeting between Varoufakis and Schäuble, has set the tone and framework of the negotiation to follow.
From these discussion is becomes clear that there is an essential understanding for the policy change the Greek government is after on the one hand and the obsession with rules and treaties of the European Union on the other.
As expected, Germany has maintained the hardest stance. The leaked document of the German Ministry of Finances ahead of the Eurogroup is indicative of the pressure that will be applied.
They are proposals which, according to government source, they cannot and will not accept. After the first probing contacts, it is obvious from the persistence of Germany and its allies to continue the austerity policy will not be curbed that easily.
The government and the country have a hard marathon ahead and they need to be fully prepared. Aside from the domestic front, they must make alliances with as many European powers as they can.
Europe is experienced in negotiations and compromises, but planning, attention and coordinated efforts are needed. The next few days and weeks will be critical, as a lot will be determined at the Eurogroup and Summit.
The government must have a complete and prepared plan, composure, strength and flexibility, in order to achieve the greatest possible compromise for the country. The constant public statements and conflicts are of no assistance at the moment.
Greece is in need of a new agreement with Europe, which will give us the breathing space we need. That must be the goal and government strategy. There is no more room for error or mistakes because neither society nor the economy can endure them.
TO VIMA
