Take heed, Germany

by Emmanuel Bouhalakis

The upcoming referendum has its pros and cons concerning the viability of Greece within the Eurozone.

Although a "yes" would likely unlock vital elements that sustain the Greek economy, the damage the Greek people have suffered in the 5 years of consecutive "reforms", cannot and should not be underestimated.

Although some economists predicted that little by little the economy of the country will recover, the statistical figures do not tell the real story. Even if the average salary takes 10 years to go back to what it was in 2008, unemployment and social exclusion may take considerably longer. People who are now within an age span of 20-30, will have significant difficulties in establishing a carreer or a family. This practical and psychological at the same time problem, will have a negative impact in the coming  years. At the same time, Greece has to fight the international stereotype that some media attach to it that its people reject "reforms" and don't pay their taxes. Beyond the accusations, few foreign media truly depict the current living conditions or the deep anxiety of the people about their future.

Thus, a "yes" in the referendum will hardly solve any real problems in the near future. A "no" could of course signify a turn for the worse, meaning that Greece will have to print its own currency since there will be no further assistance from the ECB. The return to the drachma will prove devastating at least in the beginning, later however it may prove beneficial as the lack of suffocating supervision and reforms which burden people's prospects for recovery, could stimulate a fresh start for development.

However, the existential question of whether Greece belongs to Europe has already been answered. Greece, despite its problems, is a democratic and developed nation. It stands at the crossroadsn of Europe, Asia and Africa. Its educated, cosmopolitan people constitute a beacon of human achievement and stability. Especially in the current times of Islamic radicalists who steadily expand their territorial gains around the Mediterranean, Greece should be regarded as a geostrategic bastion of peace.

All of the above point towards the government of Berlin. It is them that need to be reminded that the schoolboy discipline they have in their mind, simply cannot be applied to the collective conscience of nations. Applying reforms that make a state more efficient is one thing and exhausting a nation is another. Only hard-headed people would put their obsessions to correct "undisciplined" people by constantly humiliating them and their sensitivities. 

Thus, dear Germany, take heed. Pay close attention to what the Greeks have to tell you. A "yes" in the proposed measures, especially when banks are closed, may be equal to blackmail. And the Greeks will not just succumb to this. On the other hand, they will also not yield to the Greek government's childish tactics. 

If you, dear Germany, are willing to discuss a wholly new package of measures that will give breathing space to Greece, you will have won a steady friend and ally. Anything less than this may bring unnecessary trouble to the whole of the EU. 

Such risks may be totally unnecessary at the moment.