Did the premier know?
It is totally reasonable and welcome for a prime minister to hold confidential talks with international officials — such as the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn.
No one wants to have a provincial-style prime minister who has no contacts with foreign officials and big international players.
That said, there is an issue here that needs to be addressed.
Recent evidence, based on a previously unpublished interview with the French chief of the Washington-based organization, seems to suggest that because of his foreign contacts and his good ties with people like Strauss-Kahn, the Greek prime minister did in fact have a clear picture of the country?s fiscal derailment well before the general elections of 2009 as well as beyond that date.
That would seriously contradict George Papandreou?s irresponsible pledges made during the campaign period and the foot-dragging during the early months of his tenure.
