Affiliated with the University of Nicosia | |||||
| |||||
GREECE: A NEW CHALLENGE FOR PAPANDREOU By Christophoros Christophorou
Assistant Professor of Communications, University of Nicosia
| |||||
The outcome of the 4 October 2009 Greek elections is a rare example
of a dramatic shift in people's choices and, consequently, the fate
of party leaders. Paradoxically, the difficult task that the winner
is called to undertake makes its success less of a triumph. The
situation is very complex because of Greece's chronic problems,
while the hardships of the international economy will not make it
any easier.
Under the circumstances, to what extent are Giorgos Papandreou and
his party in a position to respond to the many challenges facing the
country? A more crucial question emerges, related to the extent to
which they will break with practices (corruption and other) that
hamper the country's progress.
It sounds strange, but what Greece needs first is to connect with
Europe and the World, to reality. The course engaged by the Simitis
government that made the country a respected partner and actor had
no follow-up during the last five years. The potential of Greece as
an economic and political power in the Balkans and the EU was almost
left aside or spoiled by unnecessary or missed battles. Papandreou's
experience as foreign minister, his contacts and esteem both at the
European and the international levels, along with his communication
skills and will to negotiate may contribute to placing Greece back
on the map. On the difficult issues of Cyprus and relations with
Turkey, seeking allies and good relations with third countries might
help create a new balance.
The economy will be the crucial test for the new government.
Devising an economic plan will not be a sufficient response, as many
problems, structural, societal and other are an impediment to the
country's development. Papandreou's proposed 'Green policies' while
an innovative approach, have not been tested elsewhere yet, as an
overall policy plan. Finding the necessary resources and an overall
plan will be critical factors for success.
While some viewed the elections outcome as Karamanlis' failure, the
results showed that PASOK's win was a clear one; it gained votes
from all parties, its influence spreads evenly in urban, suburban
and rural areas, and it is higher among the economically active
population and the youth. There is a clear link with the dynamic
groups of the society that may help the new government.
An additional asset for the new prime minister relates to the
intra-party balance of power. The old clans around influential party
officials appear to belong to the past, with Papandreou having
imposed his control and authority. The election results showed that
the party's cohesion remains intact, and the new prime minister is
free to implement his policies.
The way the PASOK leader dealt with the crisis following the party's
defeat in September 2007 and the course of events since then are
only indicative of his overall political and tactical approaches.
His plan led to success. Against a wholesale offensive by his
opponents and various groups, he kept his calm and cold blood. He
won the battle not only against his opponents, but most importantly
against opinion polls, media and observers that were predicting the
end of his political career and an eventual dislocation of PASOK.
Two years later he is facing a most important challenge, that of
putting Greece (definitely) on track of modernisation.
The choice is between national goals of mainly
ideological/symbolical value and more pragmatic ones. The first have
so far and most of the times been fought by Greece alone, or with
little support or understanding by allies and others. As a result,
enormous amounts of energy have been spoiled, often at the expense
of other good causes. Conversely, the pursuance of more realistic
goals could generate support and alliances, with positive results
and benefits for Greece’s interests. Papandreou is most likely
favouring the second school of thought. Time will show the extent to
which, as prime minister, will opt for the one or the other approach
or whether he will attempt a combination of the two. His course of
life so far has shown that he has the ambition to succeed. Will he
do it?
| |||||
| |||||
Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved | |||||
Makedonitissis 46, 2417 Egkomi CYPRUS | P.O.Box 24005, 1700 CYPRUS t: +35722841600 | f: +35722357964 | cceia@unic.ac.cy | www.cceia.unic.ac.cy |