Responsible opposition
The Greek center-right must make sure it does not get infected by the mood of populism that has swept the country. Every time New Democracy has tried to win votes by resorting to a sterile anti-bailout platform it has failed to convince the public.
Rather, what the people expect to hear from the country’s conservative opposition party is responsible, middle-of-the-road proposals – not loud noise or blanket rejectionism.
A straight rejection of the leftist-led government’s proposals on crucial issues such as pension reform will simply not be tolerated. Voters want to hear concrete counterproposals to solve the problems dogging the nation.
One can only hope that the over-the-top statements that have come from the direction of New Democracy in recent weeks are a result of the tense, pre-election climate. Greece needs a solid and responsible opposition.
