With his intervention in Parliament on Wednesday, the Governor of the Bank of Greece Yannis Stournaras essentially confirmed that Greece has once again entered a period of uncertainty. The delay in the review, he underlined, poses serious threats for a new derailment of economy and may result in a new vicious cycle. He argued that a potential failure to complete the review promptly will have a destabilizing effect.
This, of course, is not the first time the review is delayed. Everyone is well aware, especially after the adventure last summer, that any delay usually results in more painful measures, as well as undermining any effort towards economic recovery. It is no coincidence that a few months ago Mr. Stournaras estimated that the capital controls would be lifted at the start of the summer, but now he states that he does not when we will be rid of them.
So while the situation is growing increasingly worse, the Prime Minister insists upon the same problematic tactic. In the speech he delivered at the ministerial council meeting, he once again set red lines in the negotiation, insisted upon the Katrougalos pension reform proposal, drew divisive lines in society and continued wit his threats towards the opposition and media for criticizing the government.
At a time when more and more ministers hint towards the possibility of the borders closing in response to the refugee crisis, rather than attempt to close all unresolved issues as soon as possible, the government is back to its favorite hobby of conspiracies and building up enemies. They are acting as if we are living in a normal country, as if they have not understood what happened due to Varoufakis’ negotiations or the major turn after the referendum.
Only there is not more room for adventuring and populist games. With society in turmoil and the economy barely living, any delays in closing he negotiation will result in a new painful retreat with unmanageable consequences. Nobody can endure this, irrespective of the media spins or enemies they prop up…
TO VIMA
