Report Greek press on the Greek elections (2/5)
Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras during a press conference in Berlin, May 22, 2012.

Syriza: dangerously ambiguous

As the June 17 general elections approach, the question of a eurozone exit is on everyone's mind. But radical left coalition Syriza, the most likely to be asked to form a government, refuses to clarify its position on the issue – thus fuelling anxiety.

Published on 12 June 2012 at 14:16
Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras during a press conference in Berlin, May 22, 2012.

Staying in the euro is the desire of 87% of Greeks. Most of the political parties support the same position. But as Sunday looms large and as the thermometer rises, uncertainty is increasing. Many inside and outside of the country fear that in Greece the euro will be a thing of the past. Books and articles demonstrate this, as do the comments of politicians, economists and the forecasts of analysts. This may seem paradoxical, but is it really?

Probably not because the experts are not crazy. Some are self-serving [some analysts and politicians are suspected of financial speculation on a return to the drachma], but not everybody belongs to the category of those that want Greece to withdraw from the euro.

A serious error

So what is happening? What are the goals? Objectively, the visible and deep-seated reason is the mixed messages sent by Syriza. While the radical left coalition [consisting of 13 small parties] struggles to take power, its members neither state directly or indirectly whether they want the country to stay in the eurozone. leaves the eurozone. In their comments they clear the way for logical interpretations that include the possibility of a withdrawal from the euro.

If this position is in fact a negotiating chip in order to be in a position of power later, it is a serious error. It increases uncertainty, flight [to other parties] and the insecurity of citizens. But these elections are crucial and no ambiguity can be tolerated.

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