The large (more than 60%) and expected (have you ever seen anyone vote for more sacrifices?) victory of the “NO” front in the Greek referendum opens a new crisis in the European Union.
In fact, after the financial crisis that the ECB managed to contain with a mix of original and bold measures, this time what’s at stake is the respect of community rules – therefore chosen and accepted by all the countries of the European Union and the European Monetary Union – which are now being rejected by one of its members.
A very dangerous precedent because it opens the door to an “à la carte” system where each takes what interests them and refuses what does not suit them. And now, a “home” referendum gives it the seal of a democratic act.
It is hard to imagine that democracies can function like that! Moreover, anti-system parties in all countries have raised their flags and applauded with both hands (with Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Arnaud Montebourg at the forefront).
For now, we can only note the reactions of the main players: “No one has the right to decide for the Greeks the path they must take,” said Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, before adding, “No one can ignore the determination of a people,” after being strengthened by this vote in his policy towards European institutions.
On his side, one of the protagonists, Yanis Varoufakis, Greek Finance Minister, indicated shortly after that “the Greek government is ready to resume discussions with Athens’ creditors.”
A response that should temper the euphoria of the moment came from Berlin: “It is hard to imagine negotiations on a new aid plan after the result of the Greek referendum,” declared the German Economy Minister in turn.
In fact, it’s not certain that German retirees feel like dipping into their pockets again so that Greeks can dance the Sirtaki on Syntagma Square!
But, as in politics, anything is possible…
The next act of this “drama” (we are in Greece, aren’t we?): this Tuesday for the urgently convened eurozone meeting.
Hollande and Merkel will already meet tonight to work out a common position.
This means that the summer is going to be hot…
