SYRIZA decided to share the historical chance for the left to rule Greece with the far-right party Independent Greeks. Although this political marriage was expected and announced due to the same political views against austerity policy of SYRIZA and Independent Greeks, it still raised a number of questions and dilemmas.
However, both parties immediately agreed on the name dispute.
After the announcement of Terence Quick, spokesman of Independent Greeks, that the process of negotiating the name is to be temporarily stopped due to urgent economic issues, the media report that SYRIZA and its coalition partner have already reached an agreement on the issues of foreign policy.
“Sources of Independent Greeks say that SYRIZA will respect party’s red lines for the foreign policy and national issues,” reports newspaper “Ta Nea”, which was publish this morning with a red front page for the first time.
Until now, Panos Kamenos has clearly stated numerous times that “he will not allow anyone to sell Macedonia” and give us, as a country, this historical name, due to which, part of analysts who follow the dispute, commented that it is likely that SYRIZA will try to raise this issue as less as possible because any attempt to move forward may encounter resistance from Independent Greeks.
The big reactions to this political marriage are expected after Tsipras forms the government and presents its program, which is expected to happen in the next few days.
Journalists and analysts comment that this situation was expected, however, the combination is difficult to accept given Kamenos’ past. A lot of questions about how can a left party with progressive views on many issues like immigration, foreign policy, the rights of LGBT community, civil marriage etc. to cooperate with a party with radical views on national issues and conservative views on other topics, are raised.
– Togetherness against austerity measures is paramount. The differences on issues like immigration and foreign policy are important, but not as important as the agreement against “the three” – explains Greek analyst George Dzogopulos.
The opinion is that both parties are joined by populist promises and desire to form a government at any cost, so it is possible to turn a blind eye to some issues on which they disagree, even though they remain open and troublesome for Greece.
What all media comment on is that Tsipras, despite the historical chance, also has a huge responsibility that falls on his shoulders in order to keep the promises made to the Greek people that he will bring hope for salvation, comfortable financial future and better living conditions, along with obligation to negotiate Greek debt without having to push Greece into uncertainty and danger for its future.
