The vicious economic and political cycle, which has hounded the country since 2009, appears to have started all over again, only two months after the reelection of Mr. Tsipras.
In a very short time the government majority has begun to lose strength, despite the Prime Minister having the opportunity to clear out his party from the dissidents in his first cabinet.
During the second vote for prior actions included in the third bailout the government lost two MPs, it saw its strength diminish and now faces the danger of further losses, when the critical bills on the taxation of farmers and the pension reform are tabled in Parliament.
Meanwhile the opinion polls show the major attrition suffered by the governing party as the measures “intensify” and the people do not see their expectations being met.
The political time is once more proving to be dense, full of challenges, upheavals and rebuttals.
Mr. Tsipras himself is falling victim to his early speeches and the management of finances during the crisis.
The intensity of the crisis and the consequences of the policies necessary to avoid a bankruptcy are so heavy that nobody can remain unscathed.
Mr. Tsipras could not be an exception. More so when he is forced to follow a policy similar to that of his predecessors, denying his previous proclamations and unable to serve the populist characteristics of his left-wing party.
It is no coincidence that the Prime Minister is arguing for a national consensus, claiming if not the support, then at least the tolerance of his political opponents.
The best would be for Mr. Tsipras to endure the pressure of public opinion, overcome the objections of his party MPs and fulfill the obligations he agreed to in the summer without hesitation or reservations,
It must be said that under adverse conditions he managed to carry out the recapitalization of the banks and now he has the opportunity to stabilize the economy and lead it to growth.
Only the “stability and growth” plan requires faith, consequence, flexibility and above all, focusing on the program. Of course it also requires defending the policy without reservations.
That is the Achilles heel of Mr. Tsipras.
There is no guarantee that his MPs will endure the pressure from public opinion.
Last Thursday most of them in Parliament seemed worried. Few of them were willing to defend the bill on home auctions and other measures.
The Prime Minister’s office claims that the SYRIZA and Independent Greek MPs will support Mr. Tsipras in his effort to push forward with the bailout commitments.
Truth be told, it is no easy task to overcome the vicious economic and political cycle, which has annihilated all governments since 2009.
Only a miracle will allow Mr. Tsipras to overcome it.
Antonis Karakousis
Originally published in the Sunday print edition
