The results of the elections have confirmed the political hegemony of SYRIZA for a second time in seven months. Greek voters gave Mr. Tsipras a clear victory, with a huge lead over New Democracy and confirmed the alliance with the Independent Greeks, by allowing the two parties to form a coalition government. At the same time the electorate deplored the Popular Union, which was held responsible for the departure of SYRIZA officers and the government’s loss of a majority in Parliament.
Mr. Tsipras now has a clear path, without an internal opposition to dispute his choices, to carry out the implementation of the commitments he has undertaken. The voters gave him the second chance with a clear majority and allies, as he asked and stated that he desired in the election campaign period. From here on he has the absolute responsibility of implementing the agreement he signed with the Europeans and claim, as promised, the improvements that he considers necessary.
The work he has ahead of him though is very difficult. The outstanding commitments from the new bailout agreement are many and decisive. The first impression that the new SYRIZA-led coalition will make will be the government that will be formed. While there may be some mitigating, due to internal balances, over the mistakes, delays and perplexity in the previous SYRIZA-led government, now there can be none. Mr. Tsipras has the opportunity and ability to form a battle government that will be able to implement the agreement and move forward with the national reconstruction plan that the economy and society need.
The distinction between supporters and opponents of the bailout, which weighed down on the efforts to exit the crisis, no longer exists. By signing the bailout agreement, Mr. Tsipras confirmed that the only national prospect is for the country remains in Europe and the euro. With their vote, the people gave him the ultimate opportunity to proceed in this direction, while deploring at the same time his comrades who disputed this choice. It is now up to him to implement it, with a government that will believe in and apply the agreement.
TO VIMA
