It has been proven beyond any doubt over the past fiver years that any political force that comes into contact with the Greek financial problem is tested, as its strength is undermined and its power diminished.
The nature and intensity of the problem is such that it cannot be resolved with simple, cost-free solutions.
Neither could Alexis Tsipras and his party and its officers be an exception.
Upon assuming leadership of the country and coming into touch with the problem, they felt the great pressure and weakness.
More so in this case, because they developed a belief that by disputing the implemented fiscal policy in Europe, they would achieve more than the previous government.
The truth is that mist Europeans had not come to terms with the idea of dispute from the Greek left, despite having tried to approach SYRIZA, to learn about its leaders and members, to look into their beliefs, intentions and capabilities as an emergent political force in Greece.
When they realized in practice Mr. Tsipras’ intentions they sought to neutralize him from the start.
That is why they did not allow any time. The European Central Bank was quick to tighten the grip of liquidity by cutting off funding and directly threatening the new government with economic asphyxiation.
Mr. Tsipras felt firsthand the dependence on European money.
The truth is that he reacted, insisted upon the line he drew, but ultimately he could not avoid the compromise.
In exchange for certain claims he accepted commitments and obligations, which conflict with election campaign proclamations and the voters who brought him to power.
Already he is experiencing internal reactions within his party, although the support and the people’s cohesion remain strong.
The difference with the previous government is that they directly challenged the foreigners, publicized the Greek problem internationally, revealed the many mistakes and one-sidedness of the implemented policy, raised its voice and claimed degrees of freedom and independence.
Without a doubt, they gave a battle for decency. That is exactly what a significant portion of the people appreciated and that is why the government is enjoying such support and acceptance, despite the compromise and retreat from their election campaign proclamations.
They are the intangible and priceless goods of the stance they chose.
Time will tell if they are enough to protect them from the attrition from coming into contact with the country’s problem.
What is certain is that the Greek problem is huge, complicated and difficult to solve. It cannot be solved by preaching from a pedestal.
It demands faith, flexibility, quick reactions, long effort and determined people who are ready to fight and sacrifice themselves.
We assume that Mr. Tsipras is not deluded. He now has the experience to realize that actions speak louder than words, especially when you have the responsibility of the country and its people.
Antonis Karakousis
