Two valuable months in the negotiations with the Europeans had to be lost, with the country literally on the edge, so that the Prime Minister could finally be convinced that the tactics followed by the Minister of Finances would lead anywhere other than a deadlock.
Of course we had the cold shower at the Eurogroup in Riga, where Mr. Varoufakis was not only isolated, but he was directly attacked by the rest of his colleagues. So that is how we finally arrived to the formation of a more organized and specified negotiation team, which sent a message to the country’s creditors and the markets, regarding the government’s intentions.
It should be more than obvious that the tactics that the versatile Mr. Varoufakis followed did not only not help in the negotiations, it hindered their completion. A European official told Reuters that it has almost become a personal issue for some at the Eurogroup. Although Mr. Moscovici was indirect, he was still rather clear when he estimated that the message in Riga was harsh, but decisive.
Clearly the reorganization of the negotiation team is not enough to come to an agreement. It is just as necessary to confirm, in practice, that the government’s priorities adapt to the necessity for a quick and efficient compromise.
The credit crunch dos not allow any further delays. Time is pressuring, the public treasuries are being run dry and the uncertainty is leading the private sector of the economy to a collapse. It is high time that the Prime Minister, who has the responsibility for the country, took and enforced the brave decisions that are needed so that the country can finally escape the vicious cycle of a perpetual negotiation, without a result.
TO VIMA
