Port deal too precious to toy with
One of the high points of the conservative administration of New Democracy, which could find itself in opposition after tomorrow’s general elections, was the deal signed last year with China for the management of two container terminals at the port of Piraeus, the country’s largest. Socialist PASOK, the main opposition party which could be elected to power tomorrow, has recently made statements that suggest it is flirting with the idea of reviewing the privatization contract with the Chinese if it is handed the reins of government. The Socialists are in effect backing protests by «career» unionists, currently on strike, whose aim is to wrench apart this strategic investment. Needless to say, canceling this major agreement with China would suffocate the domestic market in the midst of the global economic downturn. Any responsible administration must show a consistent attitude toward foreign investors. It would be a grave mistake if a significant trade deal were to fall victim to mindless populism.
