Regardless of the continued support of the coalition government, the relationship of government partners New Democracy, PASOK and DIMAR is it a critical point. This is evident y the Monday night meeting between the three leaders. After about a year of necessary political cooperation, the three leaders have realized that it will be difficult to normalize their relationship.
The lack of trust and prevalence of suspicion were obvious, as the three partners Samaras, Venizelos and Kouvelis argued intently during the three-hour meeting. The recent developments with ERT have affected their relations, with the PASOK and DIMAR leaders fueling rumors of a great gap between the government partners. The disagreement in the interpretation of the State Council’s decision is indicative of the situation.
There doesn’t seem to be any common ground and each side is giving its own legal twist. PASOK and DIMAR insist on restoring ERT immediately, while New Democracy maintains that ERT has shut down and its employees have been dismissed. The goal of the next meeting on Wednesday is to close this gap, so that everyone is satisfied.
According to the Prime Minister, the State Council decision “confirms the abolition of ERT and its board of directors and orders the Minister of Finances and relevant deputy Minister to begin broadcasting via a public body, until the new one is formed”.
Despite the distance in opinion, the leaders agreed that the last thing the country needs at the moment is elections, which according to the Prime Minister would be painful. Mr. Samaras added that the leaders must rethink their partnership. PASOK and DIMAR agreed in principle and pointed out the PM’s responsibilities in creating the government crisis.
In an effort to move on from the crisis, the Prime Minister presented a nine-point plan, six of which related to ERT, while the other three to a cabinet reshuffle, the partnership agreement and coordinating the government. Discussions for a reshuffle are expected to take place after New Democracy’s convention that will take place at the end of June. The leaders also agreed that clear rules about the government operation must be established.
Regarding ERT, Mr. Samaras suggested setting up a mutually-accepted Administrative Committee that will take over operate a public television program until the new broadcasting corporation is set up and the legislation regarding NERIT is voted upon in Parliament. Venizelos and Kouvelis objected, claiming that ERT must operate until the NERIT bill is voted upon.
Mr. Samaras shot down the proposal, as he considers the ERT shutdown his greatest reform, but later suggested the temporary operation of ERT with a temporary governing committee. The Prime Minister will appoint a deputy Minister to oversee the plan regarding the public broadcasting organization.
