The gravity of the problems facing Greece is obvious. The new government is in urgent need of three elements: participation from all three parties, technocratic competence and adequate international representation. In the first few days of its tenure, the government demonstrated that all three are in danger.

Expectations of all-party participation vanished following the decision of PASOK’s Evangelos Venizelos and Democratic Left’s Fotis Kouvelis not to allow MPs to join the cabinet as well as the excessive presence of traditional New Democracy party officials in key positions. Technocratic sufficiency is also in doubt following the resignation of Vassilis Rapanos, who turned down the position of finance minister. Damage was also inflicted on an international level with regard to the country’s representation at the European Union summit meeting, as well as the unrealistic outline of government policy put across by the three parties.

It is understandable for a new government to face adversity in its early days. These are crucial times, however, which do not allow for any mistakes or amateur moves to be made.