OPINION

The left-right dichotomy is false

Greek politics is beset by a striking contradiction. PASOK is in the midst of a leftward shift that will bring the socialist party closer to the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) and the Communist Party (KKE). Left-wing policies have traditionally implied a bigger state and support for lower-income groups. There can be no doubt that the number of people who are finding it hard to make ends meet in this country is rising. But international experience has shown that a country without a business culture, competitiveness and an efficient health system cannot help those suffering the most. Advocates of a leftist shift must explain what they mean by that and how exactly they plan to come up with the money to put their ideas into practice. Otherwise, they will be relegated to the role of opposition. At the same time, we must realize that the major unresolved problems facing the country are not left- or right-wing problems. Environmental issues, political cronyism and corruption demand bold and realistic measures, not abstract manifestos.

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