by Athan. Ch. Papandropoulos
While PM Alexis
Tsipras deals with the dilemma of signing a new loan agreement (a third MoU?),
possibly worse than the previous ones, he faces two immense problems; the first
has to do with him maintaining power and under what conditions - the second has
to do with a potential split of SYRIZA and, if so, who and how will “cover” the
political gap within the party that will occur.
In this context, as
we have been told by members of “To Potami”, their integration into a
pro-European and reformist SYRIZA could be possible, under the lead of Mr.
Alexis Tsipras, who is considered young and charismatic, and thus, may unite Greek
center-left. Such a development is also supported by the S&D party in the
European Parliament, which is very keen into including SYRIZA MEPs’ within its
group.
On the other hand, according
to sources of EMG Strategic Consulting, members of the pro-Karamanlis wing of ND
are willing to support an agreement with the lenders - brought to the Parliament
- and they could participate in a new coalition scheme, which would take
seriously and responsibly the obligation of pulling the country out of
recession and its various impasses.
At this point, we underline
the fact that the “opening” of Mr. Alexis Tsipras towards a wider center-left
with a broader European character, is also endorsed by the United States - a
fact confirmed by the non-expulsion from the government of Mr. Yanis Varoufakis…
After all, the outcome
from the discussions we had with diplomatic and business circles is that Mr.
Alexis Tsipras, as Prime Minister, is not considered a “parenthesis” anymore. However,
during the critical phase in which Greece currently lies, allies must be found in
order to “get rid” of extremists within both his party (namely Leftist
Platform) and the government (Independent Greeks - ANEL).
Of course, this
project is far from easy, but it is absolutely necessary based on the latest
developments. As necessary also is the deep transformation of the political landscape
to which Mr. Alexis Tsipras’ ambition is to play a leading role for many years to
come.
Consequently, at
this stage, he has every reason to strengthen his “leader profile” and this is
not feasible under ruptures but only under prudent management of reality. To
this direction, after all, he is also being pressured by his mentor, Mr. Alekos
Flampouraris, the Minister of Economy, Mr. George Stathakis and the Minister of
State, Mr. Nikos Pappas, who all three believe that eventually,
in the crucial moment when “grand decisions” have to be made, SYRIZA’s different
components will shift.
By: N. Peter Kramer
