Sadness, rage and hopelessness. These were the feelings of every sensible Greek last night, regardless of their political persuasions, as they watched the riots unfold in Athens and other towns and cities around the country. Greece has gone up in flames and the concept of democracy and law and order has been eliminated.

Within 48 hours, urban centers were transformed into war zones while the complete lack of a functioning state mechanism became blatantly obvious.

Many young people could be right to feel that they have been driven toward a terrifying impasse by the Greek political classes but what is paramount today is the restoration of law, order and institutional democracy in every city.

Those who have proved themselves incapable of handling the crisis must resign and go home, no matter how high up they are.

If the government cannot bear the burden of its responsibility then it should propose forming a coalition government that includes all the parties and can lead us out of this situation.