As of midnight, when the bailout program expired and the IMF loan payment was missed, the country has technically defaulted. All relevant procedures may not have yet been implemented, but the result of the referendum on Sunday will be decisive.
The dramatic developments of the past few days have disorganized the country and economy, while causing a wave of fear and panic in society. Meanwhile the government is faltering and acting out of a panic. While it led the country to a divisive referendum, propagandizing the “no” to the creditor proposal, in the final hour it requested a new program, namely a new bailout with certain terms and conditions. It requested 29 billion euros for the next two years in order to fulfill international and domestic obligations, while its Ministers argued repeatedly that they do not want new loans to pay off the creditors…
Faced with a deadlock they created, unable to manage the catastrophic situation in the country and everyone standing against the government is now trying to find a way out. This climate of panic is what Jean-Claude Juncker described when he told reporters that “important events that you are not prepared for are happening in Athens”… Half-spoken truths and evasion on the one hand and anti-European climate on the other dominate the statements of government officials, further perpetuating the fear and agony for the people. The President of Parliament argues that there is no chance of the referendum not taking place as it is a political matter, the government may decide something different, while the Government Vice President claimed that the referendum was called as part of the negotiation.
Even now, with the country on the brink of catastrophe, the Prime Minister must decide what it exactly that he want, that he is after, what he is asking from the Greek people and the Europeans. Mr. Tsipras cannot play with the country’s future and sit by watching the situation get worse every day, while only speaking to those who agree with him. Faced with a dead end, he must talk with the opposition parties and seek out a minimum consensus, to save what can be saved, while there is still time.
He promised dignity to the Greek people, who are now queuing up at the ATMs and supermarkets. While there is still time he should protect his own dignity now, by assuming the political cost and ensuring the future of the country and its people.
TO VIMA
