Galery

1

The position of SYRIZA is taking advantage of the moment. It is only the tip of the iceberg of how the Greek parties are acting. They are following the moods of society and the fluctuations in public opinion without actually having a framework of basic principles about what direction they want to give to the developments in the country. The position of SYRIZA in Greece was and is in support of the idea that capital should pay for the crisis and that of imposing taxes on the rich whereas in the case of Cyprus, it supports the opposite. Instead of imposing taxes on depositors and Russian oligarchs, SYRIZA believes that taxpayers and probably the retired should pay the price of the crisis. This is a total contradiction, which shows the opportunism that characterizes not only SYRIZA, but also the majority of the parties in Greece.

The comment of professor of history and international relations Eleftherios Drakopoulos

The long-term solution in terms of upholding the European idea cannot be delivered by a centre of influence or power other than the euro zone. The long-term interests of the Commonwealth of Independent States (where the Russian Federation dominates – author’s note) differ from the interests of both the European Union and Cyprus. At least for now, nothing shows that the objectives of the strong member states of the European Union, their weak partners in the South and the Commonwealth of Independent States, which has appeared on the scene, overlap. Therefore, the solution will be complex both in its planning and acceptance, and in its implementation.
 
Anti-European moods lie behind the reaction of Greek society

"An election race or a referendum would put Greece permanently outside the euro zone and outside Europe in terms of the adoption of the European idea. The new measures that Greece’s lenders will inevitably impose in the coming weeks are expected to shake the coalition government with unpredictable consequences for the country".  

Regarding the silent and therefore dangerous reaction of Greek society: The European idea is now threatened by the geography and the culture clash it is causing. A large part of Greek society considers hostile any action taken by Germany. Due to the pressure and frustration, the collective memory prefers to maintain the stereotypes. Greek society believes that its basic life principles are the subject of an attack and the anti-European moods are considered dominant in shaping the political scene. At this time, any expression of the Greek public opinion will bring disastrous and probably already predetermined political developments. An election race or a referendum would put Greece permanently outside the euro zone and outside Europe in terms of the adoption of the European idea. The new measures that Greece’s lenders will inevitably impose in the coming weeks are expected to shake the coalition government with unpredictable consequences for the country. If we add to this atmosphere of disappointment the inevitable comparison between the Greek political staff and that of Cyprus, which now seems almost heroic at least in terms of communication with that "NO" to the parliament, then a solution where the Commonwealth of Independent States will participate or play a leading role is likely to bring to the fore the historical myths of "brotherly" nations and "Orthodox unions".