By Vasilis Giavris (Lawyer & Political Scientist)
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Ignorance of the past is wrong. Even worse is the systematic misinterpretation of the present for motives untoward and party political gains. The promise of a better future must be accompanied by realistic steps and certainty in its achievement. Current political maneuverings and the politics of hate serve only to retain the established status quo - both that of the major parties that have maintained and abused governmental authority and power but also those in the periphery that have in perpetuity retained parliamentary seats in exchange of hollow rhetoric and unrealistic solutions.
We are in the midst of a tragedy. We must not forget this. By ceding the initiative all political parties are choosing to react to public outcry by placing themselves in a position to maximise future electoral gains. Every decision adopted whether pro-bailout or anti-bailout is reactive and made with the electoral landscape in mind. In doing so, politicians have once again chosen to compromise the future of the Greek people.
The people require the honest truth and the truth of the current situation is simple. Greek society is in deep paralysis. The political parties elected to represent their constituents have refused to unify in the face of adversity. Given the current realities, Greece requires a unified multi-party government. A government that is able to immediately implement some of the beneficial provisions contained in the bailout agreements (i.e. tax reforms, drastic changes to legal system and certain privatisations) whilst simultaneously providing a unified front to renegotiate those measures that are both oppressive and offer no stimulus for growth - measures that have only been included to punish the Greek people for alleged sins of the past (i.e. drastic pension/wage cuts etc.,).
Our elected politicians must not lose sight of Aristotle's belief in "prudence" as a paradigm. They must "visualize" the future when deciding to act. A future that is attainable, that acknowledges and learns from the ills of the past. A future that seeks to strengthen democratic institutions and contribute towards the true prosperity of Greece and its citizens as opposed to fulfilling party political or personal agendas.
The road to Asia Minor has been previously treaded. There is a case to be made for the need not to repeat it.
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We are in the midst of a tragedy. We must not forget this. By ceding the initiative all political parties are choosing to react to public outcry by placing themselves in a position to maximise future electoral gains. Every decision adopted whether pro-bailout or anti-bailout is reactive and made with the electoral landscape in mind. In doing so, politicians have once again chosen to compromise the future of the Greek people.
The people require the honest truth and the truth of the current situation is simple. Greek society is in deep paralysis. The political parties elected to represent their constituents have refused to unify in the face of adversity. Given the current realities, Greece requires a unified multi-party government. A government that is able to immediately implement some of the beneficial provisions contained in the bailout agreements (i.e. tax reforms, drastic changes to legal system and certain privatisations) whilst simultaneously providing a unified front to renegotiate those measures that are both oppressive and offer no stimulus for growth - measures that have only been included to punish the Greek people for alleged sins of the past (i.e. drastic pension/wage cuts etc.,).
Our elected politicians must not lose sight of Aristotle's belief in "prudence" as a paradigm. They must "visualize" the future when deciding to act. A future that is attainable, that acknowledges and learns from the ills of the past. A future that seeks to strengthen democratic institutions and contribute towards the true prosperity of Greece and its citizens as opposed to fulfilling party political or personal agendas.
The road to Asia Minor has been previously treaded. There is a case to be made for the need not to repeat it.
