When deputies and party officials make fiery comments and flirt with the idea of violence, it is hardly surprising that Greece finds itself in its current mess.

Public dialogue has been hijacked by over-the-top comments and unchecked hysteria that put the country’s stability at risk. But in the past national division has come with a very hefty price tag for Greeks – even blood.

It is high time we put an end to the trade in rage and anger as practiced by our politicians.

The habit is extremely damaging for the Greek people, who have displayed an admirable level of maturity in spite of the great pain and suffering of the past few years.