Having pursued interests in the Real World yesterday, I have not been quick off the mark in blogging about the re-run of Greek parliamentary elections following the inconclusive results of 6 May. Here goes:
Perhaps implied by the Wilson formulation, yesterday’s surprise Euro 2012 result steeled more Greek voters to choose centre right and pro EU bailout Party, New Democracy led by Antonia Samaras over the worthy but untested promises of Syriza led by Alexis Tsipras.
These two Parties received 30 and 27% of the cast votes respectively, followed by 19 and 17% of the seats. That New Democracy’s former Coalition partner, Pasok led by the bruiser Evangelos Venizelos, came third – with some 13% of both – can be explained by popular disgust at the mismanagement of the Greek economy by this Party does not address the matter of New Democracy being equally myred in this well-deserved reputation.
Still not enough for one Party to secure a Government, but enough for two to buddy up. Samaras’ first move appears to have been to seek-out Venizelos, although he has spoken of wishing for a “wider Coalition” including Syriza. There should be no reason to encourage Golden Dawn (whose spokesthug in chief, Ilias Kasidiaris is suing for being provoked into an unprovoked attack) who have retained their 7% bloc: these tattoo’d, Satanist thugs enjoyed considerable support from the Greek Police, as well as the areas of Kalavryta and Distomo, scenes of massacres by the previous Nazis to have held power in Greece.
Previously Tsipras had cited bail-out offers to Spanish banks as reason to believe Greece could remain in the Euro-zone without further financial pain, although it was not unreasonably observed that these offers had been made to Spain after successful implementation of austerity demands; and if it were seen that financial collapse were being contained within Greece, there would be less desire by central Eurocrats and political leaders to offer further deals.
After decades of benefitting from an artificially buoyant Greek economy, German markets and media have been taking a keen interest in current events. This included an open letter from Bild to Greek voters which was on the austere side of cajoling; although, doubtless many of its critics previously were sympathetic to Operation Clark County.