It looks as if Greece’s lenders are more than alarmed about the free will of Greece’s voters. A free will that could be given expression in the next parliamentary elections that will take place most likley in late spring. Eurogroup head and Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Juncker directly intervened in the democratic procedures in Greece and threatened that Greece’s lenders may abandon the debt-ridden country should voters choose “extreme political parties” at the next elections.
Speaking to German “Maerkische Allgemeine”, Juncker said
“The leaders of the two biggest parties in Greece – socialist PASOK and conservative Nea Dimokratia – have signed written pledges that the programme will remain as such also after the parliamentary elections. However, should extreme parties be strengthen in such a way that PASOK or Nea Dimokratia won’t be able to form a majority government, and that politicians would rule, who would sign off from the programme, then we would sign off as well.”
The good old prime minister of Luxemburg tells us indeed that whoever does not vote for PASOk or ND is …extreme! Juncker dared in fact to dictate to Greek citizens who to vote for or not. At the same time, the former unionist, proved for one more time the end of democratic Europe.
Further Juncker said that Greece may require additional support beyond the second bailout package.
“Anyway, I do not expect that Greece can be put in order within within ten years – to put it loosely-. In Greece it is not just about savings but also about structural reforms that will open growth prospects for Athens.”
Juncker also said that he doesn’t think Greece is heading towards a disosrderly bankrucpty.
As long as voters behave accoridng to Juncker’s visions of united and ‘democratic’ Europe, right?
Juncker’s challenging the free will of Greek voters come two weeks after German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble expressed similar concerns about the results of next parliamentary elections in Greece and whether they would threaten the loan agreement or not.
PS I do resist the temptation to post some prejudices like “when Greeks discovered democracy the Germans tribes were wildly fighting against each other and the Luxemburger did not know they existed..”.
The interview trasncript in German was published at the official website of the government of Luxembourg.
We will see, but in my opinion if (a) the election does in fact take place and (b) the democratic choice of the people is not in accord with their (EUSSR’s) wishes then they will attempt to impose a second puppet government on the Greek people.
Default, devalue and grow stronger out of the Euro.
The Viennese have a saying for someone like Juncker. It goes: “Don’t even waste time ignoring him”.
http://klauskastner.blogspot.com/2011/07/letter-to-mr-jean-claude-juncker.html
This Burgermeister of a small village (how else to call Luxembourg with just 500.000 inhabitants?) is way out of line here. His only right is to say that if the next Greek government does not adhere to the agreements the agreement will be void. That’s clear. Anything else he just has to keep his gob shut about.
By the way… what about Ireland? They will now have a referendum. What about Germany. The Bundes Verfassungsgericht has declared the 9 member subcommision of the Bundestag who was there to act quickly is unconstitutional. If you follow the international news you could be excused to think that these things are the end of the world. These journalist are as afraid of the voters, it seems as Mr. Juncker.
Let them, journalists and politicians just shut up and do their job and don’t act so Greek. 😉
it’s really a joke, that Juncker supports the two parties that ruled (and ruined) Greece in the last 3+ decades.
Yes that’s the most infuriating thing of all. 👿
Well Juncker’s democratic deficits and anti-oppositional stance certainly comes from the fact that his party, the Christian Social People’s party (don’t be confused, those are conservatives!) has ruled Luxembourg for 62 of the 67 years since the war. Even Pasok and ND can claim much more experience with democratic changes!
Anyway, regardless where Juncker’s sympathies lie (certainly not on the left wing), it actually would be good if the oppositional parties would state their position on the rescue plans, and show their alternative ideas, if they have some. Shouldn’t the Greek people know what they’re voting for before the next elections?
left opposition surely state their position; however due to the show of the Greek politicians and ther EU burocracts, due to the many measures bills and other important issues, the left positions are not well covered – at least at this blog.
Well, LAOS’ positions aren’t really clear, neither. For or against default? For or against an Euroexit? What kind of reforms do they support, if any? At least to me, the political landscape in Greece doesn’t seem to have changed much. Still no real transparency, responsibility and accountability.
It never fails to amaze that the elite of the EU can so disregard and discount democracy – criticise this and you are called an old fashioned nationalist…
It ‘s the same whichever side of the issue you sit…
According to the latest opinion polls 60% of Germany’s people want to keep their money and not let Greece have a cent more yet… the Bundestag goes ahead and votes for the bailout!
Please – this post is in no way intended to be rude to you, Michali. But, it never fails to amaze me that anyone is surpised at the EU acting as it does.
Look at the way it was set up. The Parliament is a late cosmetic bolt-on. Look at the week powers of the Parliament vs. the Commission. Think how a mono-culture in Brussels can divide and rule a diverse EU wide electorate. Etc., etc.
It was several years ago now that Peter Mandelson [twice disgraced UK ex-minister, given an EU Commissioner’s job (Commisar might be a better word) ] called the EU a “post-democracy”.
Don’t put too much faith in democracy, look what it brought us all. Democracy is the perfect way for the few to rule the many and to keep them content.(fighting among each other)
Strife more for your individual freedom and authority over yourself. A Republic would be better than any democracy. Best would be if we humans were capable to rule ourselves and didn’t need any government, but alas most are not that far advanced and crave leadership.
It’s insane the amount of foreign meddling in a local happening. It’s beyond insane that most people think this is the normal way to go, that a lot of people think that a few claiming authority over us is normal. It’s sickening this want to be led and the putting of hope on a few to solve the problems of the many.
We as a society are spiraling down toward our own destruction and the sad part is that most are doing this willingly with their eyes and ears closed. The only thing they will feel is the impact of hitting the ground and then it will be too late.