Seizing the opportunity

By George Mantelas

Why is it necessary for the country’s lenders to be the ones who will impose a new programme on Greece, either in the form of a precautionary credit line or in the form of a new “plan for development and stability”, once the current bailout ends in August?

Why can it not be the government of our country that will undertake to draft and present its own roadmap for the post-bailout memorandum period?

Why must it be foreigners who impose it rather than making it a central, homegrown political decision for the next day?

Why should a Greek plan not be presented that would meet the demands of the times, domestically and internationally?

Why should Athens not demonstrate in practice that, after years of all kinds of programmes, it has now come of age and can take tough decisions on its own, if necessary?

The true exit from strict fiscal supervision will come only when the Greek side demonstrates in practice that it is able to manage its fate on its own, and that it claims ownership of the new status in which it is called upon to survive and move forward.

The climate in Europe regarding our country can be summarised in a few words: Let’s get it over with.

In Brussels and Berlin, the last thing they want is to become as of September once again entangled in the Greek affair.

The most likely possibility is that they will approve a final disbursal of funds, which will be accompanied by a package of harsh terms and preconditions that must be met, in order to draw on that capital.

Now is the opportunity, therefore, for the Greek side to prove that it can take its fate into its own hands.

It can for the first time show up in September with its own, credible programme.

For that to happen, what is above all necessary is careful planning and above all political will.

Does the government have it?

gmantelas@tanea.gr