Agora
Posts by Nick Malkoutzis
Varoufakis and his friendly fire
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has a lot on his mind at the moment: A quarter of his MPs are refusing to support him over his agreement with Greece’s lenders, his short-term political survival is reliant on the opposition parties, representatives from the institutions are returning to Athens and want to start visiting ministries.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Politics (413), Economy (348), Greece (527)
Which way now, Mr Tsipras?
After his haphazard cross-country drive across Europe over the last six months, Alexis Tsipras has arrived at the crossroads. He has already been forced by European lenders to make a huge compromise; now he has to decide whether he will be just as ruthless with dissenters in his own party.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Europe (296), Politics (413), Economy (348), Greece (527)
Between heaven and hell
What is the distance between heaven and hell? About 700 metres – I measured it on Monday. The morning after the referendum on the Eurogroup’s bailout proposal, I visited my local pharmacy, where my pharmacist was confident that the convincing No vote the night before would lead to good things for Greece. “Everything will be fine,” he said. I walked home and bumped into my neighbour. His view of the referendum was completely different. “We’re doomed now,” he told me.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Europe (296), Society (150), Greece (527)
Divided we fall?
Almost 11 years ago today, tens of thousands of Greeks poured onto the streets in harmonious celebration of the national team's Euro 2004 victory. That was another decade, another time, another world. Today, Greeks have little to celebrate and much that divides them.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Politics (413), Society (150), Greece (527)
Yes to the referendum, no to the way it's being held
Since the start of Greece’s bailout programs in 2010, there has been an unrequited desire in Greek public opinion for a referendum. In fact, current Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras urged the then Greek leader George Papandreou to hold one before signing the first memorandum of understanding with creditors five years ago. In late 2011, when Papandreou proposed holding one, Tsipras was against the idea.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Politics (413), Greece (527)