The Eurogroup decision to approve the new bailout loan may have put an end to the uncertainty that has burdened the economy and society for the past few months, but it has not provided a solution to the political uncertainty that plagues the country. The Tsipras government has also suffered the unavoidable blow suffered by all governments that managed the crisis in recent years.
The civil war that broke out within SYRIZA has escalated to such a point where it is not just undermining the stability of the government, but the country as a whole. The initiative for a vote of confidence, which the Prime Minister seems to be considering, will signal new political developments, with early elections being a distinct possibility.
It is clear, or at least it should be, that an electoral race with many important and necessary – due to the bailout – legislative initiatives are still pending, with deaden the economy once more and create a new cycle of uncertainty. More so, when the dispensation of financial aid depends on the implementation of strict conditions and commitments.
The elections may help the Prime Minister clear out the internal front in his party, but it will not provide a solution to any of the country’s major problems. We experienced this situation in 2012 with the double elections, which destabilized the political scene and resulted in a coalition government.
Everything suggests that the ballot box cannot provide a clear solution to the country’s governance problem. After five years of Sisyphean efforts it is clear if Greece is to finally overcome the crisis it needs a national recovery plan on the one hand and broad consent for this effort on the other. We have paid enough for the political games, the battles for power and personal ambitions. While there is still time, they must all think – and first of all the Prime Minister – whether it is in the country’s interests to call elections.
TO VIMA
