Trouble in Heaven Once More

Greece and Germany have reached rock bottom in their relationships. While Germany can afford the attitude Greece is likely to give-in to the pressure that comes from Berlin and Brussels due to the likely default at the end of the month. The relations are joggling at a thin tandem between practicality and need. Verbal attacks continue on both sides only to strengthen one's feeling that what we see is a political "Babel" in its rise. Greece, is mixing the cards again and widens the discussion agenda with Germany, only to add more tension to the existing fragile climate. War Reparations are at the centre of discussions these days and the reactions on both sides are really mixed. You hear voices within Greece saying that the issue has been dealt with once and for all back in 1990 with the signing of the "Two plus Four Treaty", as you will hear voices within Germany that suggest that the country pays the reparations, which are considered a legally valid claim. Confusion everywhere, as the opinions appear to be split on both fronts and on the same subject. Some would say, that this recently added topic to the European agenda is only a diversion to the existing liquidity problem of Greece and an act of its desperation in the overcoming of its ongoing and never-ending financial challenges. Opposition within Greece is accusing the Government for the employment of tactics that lead only to dead-ends and not to viable solutions with our discussion partners. Some academics have even gone as far as claiming that the current confusion that is created by Greece's choice of language in Europe is not accidental but constitutes part of a Russian driven Anti-Europe propaganda. Fact is, that the banner of the newly elected Government to restore the national pride of Greeks created a massive wave in its favor that has allowed the Government to survive the first six weeks in office. Fact is, that the recipe has shown that the Greek population does not understand politics, but then again neither do the Germans, the French or the Dutch. The difference being that this fact may prove fatal for the Greeks, as they will soon be called upon to decide whether they prefer a damaged country at the benefit of a short-lived restored pride and eternity thereafter in solitude and political and economic isolation or whether they will eventually come to terms with the reality that there are no conspiracies targeting the country via unknown (or German) centres, there are no secret enemies of the State, only a mess in our housekeeping, the continuance of with, is condemning this country to eternal suffering. No economy will jump-start, no growth will come unless we restore the trust of the international community in the seriousness of our daily business conduct and of our true intentions to confront this mess once and for all eternity. The way to there is very long and it does not look like it is paved with political wisdom or technical excellence. The lack of experience and prudence just makes it longer and more painstaking. One way or the other there is always a perpetuity in things. Greeks are passengers of the roller-coaster to their future. It is up to them whether the ride will be smooth or bumpy, real or fictional, paid in hard currency or in dematerialised form. One thing stands clear though...the price will be dear, no matter what.