MPs seeing early polls as a possible “fire exit”

Whether further decisions are made this coming Sunday or Wednesday, the next day for the Greek premier will be the same. His ministers are asking for a thorough discussion of the political strategy their party is following, the MPs want elections and the citizens of Greece insist on striking and rallying outside the parliament and finance ministry buildings no matter what... The atmosphere is very heavy in the country and it is highly probable it will keep being thus even if the EU decision concerning Greece is a positive one.

Thus, the leading officials are looking for their given options which include early polls sometime in November, asking to be backed by the opposition parties - this move has been made already; however, no opposition party leader has welcomed it warmly until now - and a referendum. Many say that the latter, if followed, might get the government out of the unease caused by the harsh measures to battle the crisis because it will then be able to say that the decision - whatever it might be - is what the people want so, simply, they are to blame for the country’s future and the failure which could result from a negative vote.

On the other hand, George Papandreou hopes to be able to face the upcoming difficulties from a position of power, holding in his hands a good decision after the conclusion of the EU Summit, a decision that could even allow him to hold the leadership reigns until the spring of 2012. Nevertheless, the turmoil in governmental circles and the disagreements among PASOK ministers are obvious and anything but finished but at the same time, they all believe there is a need for a new beginning.