The Germans are meticulous planners and sticklers for rules. But when something does not go according to plan, or the rules are either bent or not helpful as they stand, then they cannot cope. The Greeks, on the other hand, are notorious for not planning in advance and not abiding by rules. But when something goes wrong, or changes unexpectedly, they are spectacular at finding a solution on the spur of the moment. In fact this is partly why they have excelled at guerilla warfare in the past, both in the war of independence and under German occupation more recently.
Now coming back to our present woes. The Germans have concocted a great super Master plan for Europe. One, which for the moment has served them very well, if not the rest of Europe. Samaras has decided to play the good little boy and become teacher’s pet by doing everything the Germans demand, and expects to be “rewarded” for his pains. However the “reward” he expects means that Greek interests will be sacrificed to those of Germany, even more.
Stands to reason. Germany is out to secure her own interests, whereas Samaras has no intention of sticking up for Greek interests by dint of the policy he has chosen. So although great for Germany (in the short term at least) his policy is disastrous for Greece.
Now should he be more courageous and should he put Greece’s real long term interests ahead of Germany’s, he should follow a policy of upsetting Germany’s well designed apple cart. This would throw them off balance, thwart their Master plan for Europe and send them into disarray, unable to cope because things are not going according to their well laid plans.
Instead, Stournaras trotted obsequiously off to Schauble towards the end of August, after having exchanged personal mobile phone numbers with him (something that was presented as a great achievement), to get his approval or be told what to do rather. Why Schauble? Who is Schauble? Just another Finance Minister. He might just as well have gone to Moscovici or Guindos or even Maria Fekter!.
Schauble, after all, by his very role will provide for Germany’s interests not Greece’s. No matter how much servile sucking up Stournaras may do under the Samaras policy of fawning. Because that is of course his duty. It is neither the duty of Stournaras nor Samaras to provide for Germany’s interests in the vane hope that by being the good little boy they might get a bone thrown in their direction.
It is their duty to safe guard Greece’s interests. And that, though they fail to see the point, is the interests of the Greek people. Their well being, their access to healthcare and medicine, their ability to nourish themselves and be housed properly, to enjoy heating in the winter.
The Samaras government doesn’t see the need for any of that. Perhaps it is time they were made to. One way or another.