It has been said that during a meeting in the office of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, a consultant of his brought up the possibility of a potential mutiny in SYRIZA’s Parliamentary Group. Before he managed to finish talking, another consultant spoke of unrest at the Ministerial Council, as rumors were circulating suggesting that a cabinet reshuffle was imminent.
Mr. Tsipras, according to the rumors, smiled and told his staff members two stories about national and party concerns that have circulated in Greece for decades.
The first short story refers to a session in Parliament where Georgios Papandreou – the so-called “Old Man of Democracy” – had the stand. During his speech, G. Papandreou was interrupted by an MP from the far right, who was shouting “I will shoot you! I will kill you!”. Then the “Old Man” paused and remained silent for half a minute, gazing towards the heckler. He finally asked “who said that?” with the would-be murderer screaming “I did!”
Then G. Papandreou looked towards the far right MP, wiped his brow with a handkerchief and said “Then it doesn’t matter!”
Without explaining the meaning of the story the Prime Minister then told another short story: in 1935 some military officers were on trial for participating in the failed Venizelist officer movement.
The court president told then officers on trial:
– Did you not consider what would happen to Greece if your movement succeeded?
Then, one of the defendants stood up and told the court martial president:
– May I respond?
– Yes, said the president.
And the defendant argued:
– If our movement succeeded you would be the defendant over here, I would be there and Greece would be Greece!
* * *
There are no further details on what was said at the meeting. History often repeats itself and speculation can run wild, when referring to internal affairs of parties. Especially where many roosters crow.
Stavros P. Psycharis
Originally published in the Sunday print edition
