The political landscape is finally clear following the announcement of the intentions of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

Greece has at last officially begun the countdown to general elections.

It would be for the best if politicians, of all affiliations, now keep the basic expectations of Greek voters in mind.

First of all, most Greek citizens expect a calm and measured contest, not the artificial polarization and acrimony of the past. They also expect to hear the proposing of clear solutions to problems, not generalizations. Our two largest political parties have an obligation to fulfill these two main desires of the public.

Whoever does not pay attention to the signs of the times will pay the price of rejection by Greek voters, who are no longer impressed by lofty rhetoric and empty promises as they were decades ago.