There were many who resented Margaret Thatcher when she said, “There is no such thing as society” – not that they would not resent her if she didn’t. Even today, many politicians (without belonging to the left) repeat the buzzword with a grimace of abhorrence for its quasi-social neoliberalism.
Inertia has been a key feature of the Greek state for many decades. It is not just the result of laziness; it is also deliberate and calculated.
Greek-Turkish relations are at their most crucial juncture of the past 20 years. Athens is continuing to actively pursue a strategy based on international law, which had also been followed by the previous government.
The United States’ recent political withdrawal from many parts of the world is also affecting the likelihood of an American intervention in Greek-Turkish affairs.
There were many who resented Margaret Thatcher when she said, “There is no such thing as society” – not that they would not resent her if she didn’t. Even today, many politicians (without belonging to the left) repeat the buzzword with a grimace of abhorrence for its quasi-social neoliberalism.
Erdogan’s Turkey is in a state of overstretch, both at home – a trend manifested in the spike in borrowing costs and the decline of the Turkish lira – and abroad.
James Baldwin’s much quoted reference to “the fire next time” alerts us to risks we would prefer not to contemplate. It is also a warning against complacency. Over the last few years, there has been no shortage of analyses pointing to the mounting risks in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The debate has already begun on what a Joe Biden administration will mean for Greek interests. Everything points to an electoral loss for US President Donald Trump but no one should underestimate him.
The Greek Parliament will discuss the agreements signed with Egypt and Italy on the delimitation of exclusive economic zones in the coming days.
September 7 will be a crash test for both the Greek state and society at large.
Greece’s committee of public health experts has proven its credentials when it comes to its credibility.
A government decision already in effect makes it easy for private sector employees belonging to so-called ‘vulnerable groups’ with regard to the coronavirus to ask to work from home so as not to come into contact with the public. A simple phone call, email or SMS to the boss should suffice, unless the employer can prove that work from home is not feasible. Even then, employers have to make arrangements to ensure the safety of their employees, failing which they will face hefty fines. In the coming days, the government will issue directives specifying the vulnerable groups and the medical documents required as proof.