It doesn't seem like there has been much discussion in the Grand Debate Hall of late so I'll throw some things out there from time to team and see if anything sticks. Right now I'm particularly interested in the situation in Greece, with a vote on the generally symbolic position of the nation's President causing the breakup of its government and snap elections to be held on January 25. It seems clear that polling shows an anti-austerity party, Syriza, to be in the lead in the polls - which could be interesting given that their entire election policy seems to be based on renegotiating the terms of the IMF/EU bailout the country received in exchange for strict austerity measures. Not sure how the EU will take to that.
So ... anyone have any thoughts? Is Syriza right that the Greek people have endured too much austerity and that a change in direction is needed? Or is the current government correct that the economy is showing signs of life and the country needs to keep pushing forward? Could a Syriza-led government lead to the exit of Greece from the Euro and the EU? Does anyone think that Gyro's aren't delicious?
Post by Baden-Wuerttemberg on Dec 30, 2014 8:20:42 GMT -5
It is certainly an interesting moment in Greek politics, as despite a relative Syriza popularity results are still pretty open. Public opinion in Greece appears rather divided, apart from most people apparently being of the opinion that it's not ideal at all to have yet another election right now. But it's what the constitution demands.
As an American I'm fascinated by the Parliamentary systems where failure on the part of government to come to agreements leads to new elections. Unfortunately, things are so rigged for incumbents in the US that snap elections probably wouldn't make a difference here.
Posts: 14,117
Likes: 1,978
XKI Generation: The Upgrade Generation XKI Map Nation Color: Red XKI NS Join Year: 210 - Saturday, 18 October 2014 Historical XKI Political Party: MSPP - Mayor Shelter Political Party Ancient House of: Ananke
My knowledge of Greek politics is quite thin. However, I'm very interested in the effect the Greek elections have on the financial markets and the EU. It should make for an interesting ride, especially with the worst of the recession a few years behind us now.
It's been interesting to see the changing reporting over the last week or so. In the runup to the December 29 Presidential vote that forced that election, most of the reporting I saw (BBC and the Economist mostly) was very much of the "everyone is scared about what new elections would mean for the Euro and the EU" variety. That seemed to be (consciously or not) echoing the line of the sitting Greek government which was, and is, pushing a doom and gloom scenario should Syriza take power. After the vote was over, however, I've seen some more reporting suggesting that the various EU power centers are sort of accepting a likely Syriza win and don't think it will be all that bad. You're right that it's going to be an interesting thing to watch, not just leading up to the election but in the post-election government formation process and, if Syriza is elected, the negotiations (whatever those will look like) with the EU and the IMF.
Ironically, Greece created Democracy in 6 B.C., and ended up being butchered by it. It's just how it goes. It can't cease to exist as a nation, but it has buried itself in a hole it can't come out of. Greece has become synonym of corruption-until they ban all current active politicians and create a new form of government (not gonna happen, internally...) all they have left is their amazing history. Syriza won't do Greece any good. It will be corruption with a new face, all smoke and mirrors, masked by hope of a better future. What Greece needs is a complete wash. I mean complete. A non military coup, sponsored by the EU. Anyone currently involved in politics banned from office, and new blood brought in, domestic of foreign, with NO attachments to the current or past governments. Adopt a Technocracy for the time being, their constitution and laws rewritten by a non political international committee, all while safeguading the integrity and well being of the Greeks, with a bailout from the IMF. Better lose some of their automonous power then everything, right? Actually, they don't have much left. Only their amazing history and their flag.