GREECE (2)

I can understand the feelings behind the general strike in Greece today. If I were Greek, I think I too would be seriously pissed off with the country's political classes.

But, but, but. Is it such a good idea in present circumstances? The main culprits are the previous Government, whom the citizens have already booted out. The current Government does at least have the twin merits of coming clean about the problems and trying to do something about them (even if the range of options is severely limited).

The more tricky issue is that the possible solution to Greece's problems - massive loans from other EU countries and the IMF - requires the approval of non-Greeks; in particular, that of the German Parliament. The Germans have long been sceptical about bailing out their wastrel fellow Europeans to the south. Might the sight of rampaging ungrateful Greeks give them an excuse to vote the package down? If that were to happen, then Greece really would be in a crisis.

Walter Blotscher