The disbursement of the tranche puts a temporary, at least, end to the climate of uncertainty. The painful process that came before and primarily the constant demands from the Europeans and IMF to vote in all unresolved prior actions demonstrate the government’s lack of credibility. The imposition of measures with a political impact on national sovereignty, such as the new super fund and contingency mechanism can as a consequence of this exact lack of credibility.

The government has little room to maneuver. The tranche may offer some relief, but as it seems even the funds that will go towards the payment of state debts will be monitored by the troika. With the economy in a recession, the only visible way to overturn the climate is tourism and the implementation of reforms demanded by the creditors.

If they do not stop wavering and delaying the implementation of the agreement the uncertainty will return quickly. It is absurd for the government to sign the deal for Elliniko only to have ministers such as Mr. Spirtzis call it a selling off of public property. At time when tourism is the most dynamic sector of the economy, you cannot have Piraeus paralyzed from the strikes, with thousands of cruise boat passengers agonizing and the Shipping Minister seemingly indifferent.

The Prime Minister must decide once and for all if the new bailouts and painful measures that accompany it are in the country’s interest or a coincidental turnover to remain in power. If he truly believes in the agreement he signed he must impose it on his officers without any objections. Anyone unable or unwilling can give up their seat and lament all they want afterwards. You cannot be a minister and opposition at the same time…

TO VIMA