Macedonia’s future remains uncertain after a referendum to rename the country failed. On this episode of The Stream, we speak with Vera Lalchevska (Joint Macedonian NGOs Representative Office to the UN), Panos Polyzoidis (Political Analyst and Journalist), Bojan Marichik (Special Adviser – Foreign Policy to Prime Minister Zoran Zaev).
A new name was intended to end decades of diplomatic deadlock. But nationalists in both Greece and Macedonia are unhappy at the choice – Republic of North Macedonia. This television discussion explores the social and ideological roots of this long-standing dispute and the political mechanics that will decide the fate of the agreement.
Tsipras rewards loyalty in cabinet and seeks a way forward. The general election possibly sealed the end of the bailout vs anti-bailout debate in Greece, as anti-austerity parties received only 16% of the votes and are represented in the House with just 34 seats out of 300.
A campaign that failed to capture the voters’ imagination is coming to an end, and Greeks are preparing to cast their ballots in what seems to be the most unpredictable general election of the economic crisis era.
Nobel laureate economist, Paul Krugman, says nominal debt relief for Greece and an end to austerity policies is essential; but he admits it is practically impossible accurately to predict the risks of a return to a national currency.
Greeks are heading for the general election in a rather subdued campaign atmosphere, as the policies for the next parliamentary term are already in place – they are dictated by the creditors and approved in parliament by most of the opposition.
Greece clutching at symbols to show she has earned concessions; but the Greek economy remains at a near-stand-still as liquidity of the banking sector is at a critical point.
Sooner rather than later, Tsipras will have to make a deciding choice between ideology and pre-election pledges on the one hand, pragmatism and necessity on the other.
The Greek PM and his party, SYRIZA, must convince Greeks that the socialist dream still burns; but the government is coming to terms with some dire fiscal realities.
The Eurogroup meeting this afternoon will decide whether the eurozone’s patient will remain under mechanical support or be left to his own devices.
Tsipras under pressure to deliver while creditors are banging at the door – adopting a pragmatic approach will not be easy, as he was elected on a strongly anti-austerity agenda.
Sooner rather than later Tsipras will have to make the crucial decision between compromise and conflict with Greece’s creditors and partners.
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