After Parliament approved the policy statements, the government has a clear political path ahead of it to carry out the difficult task of implementing the agreement signed with the Europeans. Despite the opposition signing the agreement in the previous Parliament, it has become clear that there will be very little political tolerance, particularly with regards to agreeing to a series of legislative acts.
The chances for a general national consensus, despite the occasional opening of Mr. Tsipras, as evident by the statements of the opposition leaders, are few and will greatly depend on the Prime Minister’s intentions. The first test will be the act to be submitted next week in Parliament to cover the outstanding bailout commitments, in order to unlock the remainder of the first tranche.
The goal for Mr. Tsipras and his government will be to complete this process by the 15th of October, so that he may then carry out the critical recapitalization of the banks. The painful measures included in the agreement will affect many categories of citizens – particularly in pensions and taxation – and will test the endurance of society as well as the efficiency and persuasion of the government.
The support which the government currently receives domestically and from abroad (the support from the French President stands out) is a major advantage for Mr. Tsipras and his government. It is up to the Prime Minister to best take advantage of this support in order to put an end to the uncertainty that has rocked the country in recent months.
The Prime Minister now has the experience and knowledge, as he admitted, to efficiently lead his officers to serve the policy he chose to follow. It remains to be seen in the next few weeks whether the Prime Minister’s determination which was demonstrated in Parliament will also be confirmed in practice.
TO VIMA
