The ongoing efforts by Greece’s political parties to rally their supporters and win over new ones are to be expected. Their chance of success, however, will increase if the arguments they put forward are convincing and their goals are realistic.
New Democracy speaks of an outright majority. In the current circumstances, it would probably be preferable if it focused on securing its victory – a very likely, if not certain, outcome – and on the central role it will have to play in governing the country, with any kind of government, be it a single party or a coalition.
Everyone is entitled to set lofty goals, but the fact is that the people are tired of hype and want truths.
In any case, the real problem lies with PASOK, which says its goal is to come out first, “even if it’s by one vote.” Dreams are lovely things, but when the desirable is such a far cry from the feasible, it backfires.
Party rhetoric is more effective – and useful at the national level – when it is governed by realism. So, instead of talking about winning, PASOK would be more convincing and would better serve its much-coveted goal of rallying supporters and raising its share of the vote if its message was that – based on a realistic assessment of the actual situation – it is seeking the strongest possible participation in a coalition government to prevent stalemates and to ensure that power is exercised in a meritocratic and honest manner.
