Time to resolve the Greek debt issue!
The rather disrespectful language and misguided statements that soured early stages of discussions and negotiations have of course not been helpful for building confidence. Now the tone seems to be changing and attention shift to seeking concrete solutions. This is how it should be.
We have seen that Germany’s social democrats believe that the latest proposal from Athens gives a good basis for this. They also distance themselves from the most hardline conservative opinions. Vice Chancellor and SPD President Sigmar Gabriel has said this clearly.
Europe’s other social democratic movements, including in my own country Finland, should join in working for an end to the yes-no debate, together with moderate conservatives and others. I am sure that this will happen.
It is not always easy for people in the Eurozone countries to accept added liabilities when they themselves are squeezed by recession and unemployment. In Finland, also the decline of the Russian Rouble and the mutual sanctions hit hard on economy and employment and add to the strains.
The new Greek government’s declared commitment to respect its obligations and to build up a sound economic administration and taxation was both necessary and welcome with a view of seeking political acceptance among these voters for a final agreement.
Others must now also understand that changes are needed in Greece itself to alleviate the situation of those who are the weakest and most badly hit while supporting the growth that is necessary for the longer term building up of the economy.
The economic dimension is of course highly important for the Eurozone tax payers who are backing up the recovery programme, but let us not forget that the European Union is about much more.
Already a look at the map of Europe should convince anyone about the importance of a stable and democratic Greece in the south-east where the political and social situation is far from settled.
Together with the Nordic ties it defines also Finland’s place in the world. For many of us this was the key reason when we voted for EU membership. Today we need to strengthen the community, not weaken it.