The Prime Minister may have attempted to create a climate of optimism yesterday about an imminent agreement while reassuring the people in agony, however the conflicting information from both sides suggests that reaching an agreement will be anything but easy. A series of statements from European and American officials involved directly or indirectly in the negotiations, indicate that there is a great distance that needs to be covered. Of course the situation becomes more complicated now that time is dangerously limited.
The emergent optimism from the government must be confirmed in practice in the talks with the troika, which requires significant concessions from the Greek side on critical matters, such as the VAT, the budget gap and the pension system. Indicatively, Schäuble as well as the Commission VP argued that there were still major issues unresolved, which make reaching an agreement in the next few days difficult.
It is also a fact that all of these interventions underline the Greek government’s need to present a cohesive plan of reforms and tax interventions, which will allow a sustainable and efficient compromise and which in turn will secure regular financing for the economy. It would seem then that optimism is not enough. What is required is the acceptance of a comprehensive list of measures and reforms and the government’s to assume the political cost.
The Prime Minister must obviously take the initiative and either convince his party or ignore those who refuse to understand the critical nature of the situation, by weighing the country’s general interests. The pressure is undoubtedly great, just like his responsibility. However there is no room for delay and temporary negotiation maneuvers. Four valuable months have already been lost, at a huge cost for the economy and society. The time for decisions and responsibility cannot wait any longer. The country must remain in Europe, because there alone will the insecurity and uncertainty end. There is no other option.
TO VIMA
