While some meaningful steps may have been taken towards an agreement between Greece and its creditors, and while both sides may express the need to conclude the negotiations as soon as possible, it appears that there are many unresolved issues that need to be addressed.
The next few days will be decisive, as time has almost run out. On the one hand the country’s liquidity needs are a bit more than ‘pressing’, and on the other there is limited room to sign any kind of agreement with the partners.
Merkel, Hollande and even Juncker are constantly stressing that Athens must make a final decision on the measures that are on the negotiation table, since time is running out. The Prime Minister may argue that we are close to an agreement, but at the same time, a large section of his party, many ministers and the President of Parliament are protesting vehemently t the prospect of a possible retreat from the red lines and election campaign pledges. As a result meetings upon meetings are called, in order to convince them, as it seems, of the necessity to come to an agreement as soon as possible.
It is time for Mr. Tsipras to decide who he will join and who will be left behind. The pressure and uncertainty plaguing the country and the people cannot carry on much longer. The obsessions and ambivalences must be set aside, in the interest of the country, the economy and society. Any further prolongation of the negotiations will further increase the painful consequences that we are already facing. It is the Prime Minister’s responsibility and duty to put an end to the insecurity and uncertainty, while plotting a course of hope for the future, as he promised after all.
TO VIMA
