Debate exposes chronic failings
The three-day debate in Parliament ahead of a confidence vote which is set to take place today has so far unfolded pretty much as expected.
Unfortunately, Greek politicians have been unable to leave their bad habits behind. Notwithstanding the country’s mammoth financial and social issues, the political debate has for the most part degenerated into a petty exchange of barbs and accusations between the conservative-led government and the main leftist opposition.
But times are different. People now expect much more from and remain deeply skeptical of their representatives. They would find it far more reassuring if, after the final vote, Greek party leaders were to all sit down together to talk through the nation’s debt, the post-memorandum era, and plans for growth.
People have every right to be frustrated with and worried about the lack of basic political understanding – a failure that has cost the country so dearly in the past.
