Negotiations between the government and Deutsche Telekom executives for the Germans’ entry into the Greek telecom operator have entered a crucial phase.

The finance and communications ministers, who represent the government in the negotiations, and the prime minister, who will make the final decision, will do so in accordance with national interests. At the same time, they are trying to ensure OTE’s survival and growth in the competitive international environment. The opposition has retained a populist stance, garnished with nationalist sound bites. Hopefully, the government is prepared to answer the dilemma: Can Greece have a strong enterprise in the strategic telecommunications sector, managed by an experienced and prestigious company, while also securing the interests of the country, or will OTE remain captive to dubious contractors who have supplied the company with inferior technology at exorbitant prices, as well as to the whims of unionists and political officials?

The government must give a clear answer that will finally clear the slate of entangled interests.