Nov
5
Faltering Bravado?
Posted by: Paul Dhaliwal | November 5, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Earlier today the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou won a crucial vote of no confidence, securing his power, and enabling him to rule out any snap elections in Greece, while ironically at the same time promising the sharing of power in the country.
The inconsistencies shown by Papandreou have made him the mockery of the western world this past week. The appalling decision to call for a referendum on whether or not to accept the E.U bailout threw global markets into turmoil, and prompted altogether less than subtle threats from the French and German governments. Not to mention the shaky handling the austerity cuts and the fumbled management of Greece’s debt.
Greece's Prime Minister beseiged by reporters- Courtesy of Euronews
In light of these altogether embarrassing points, it amazes me that Papandreou was cavalier enough to suggest to his citizens that an election would render Greece bankrupt and that there must be a consensus in parliament; meaning his word must be followed, or else.
Papandreou’s actions have pushed Greece into a corner; the referendum would have in fact been the deciding factor on whether or not to stay a part of the E.U. Had the referendum not been called off, it could have lead to the bailout funds being withheld- without which Greece would surelygo bankrupt before the end of 2011.