For the first time during the crisis, a Greek Minister of Finances met with his German counterpart Mr. Schäuble in Berlin and did not bend his back, neither for real, or – more importantly – symbolically.
That happened yesterday in Berlin with Yanis Varoufakis and that is something that must bring joy to all Greeks, after the thousands of dead-end bows that preceded…
The stance of Tsipras himself in his trips and the line of his ministers is a nationalist stance.
At the same time, the initial optimism of those who believed that the enthusiasm of the electoral result and the climate of the first few days was enough has already began retreating. At present that climate has evaporated and harsh reality has prevailed.
But be careful: anyone from the government or anywhere else who thought that a major win in Athens would change Germany’s stance was not in touch with reality.
It was a given and we have said it many times before and after the elections; Berlin would not only not change its stance after these developments, but on the contrary, it would become even more uncompromising, as it has. It has been said time and again, that the Germany will not budge one millimeter.
Greece must also do exactly the same right not: not make one step back, not a singly centimeter.
Even if it has the intention to do so, namely to scale back its positions, now is not the time for that: it is much too early for this to happen.
The real pressure has not yet begun. If the country shows signs of compromise and submission now, then it will quickly end up where it was before the elections, namely with the infamous Hardouvelis email.
Everyone should read it over and over again to remind themselves what a retreat can lead to, especially now.
There is only one way: we must endure.
Giorgos P. Malouchos
