Syriza’s worst capitulation so far?

It has now been confirmed that the Greek parliament will not get a formal vote on the extension of the financial assistance agreement with the Eurozone. Open Europe’s Raoul Ruparel asks whether this is another sign of Syriza moving from its election commitments – in this case democracy and transparency.

2 March 2015

In announcing that the parliament will not get a vote Greek government spokesman Gavriil Sakellaridis said:

"There reason that the government chooses at this time not to bring the agreement to Parliament for approval has to do with the fact that it is just the extension of an already existing loan agreement.

This is a pretty extraordinary decision for a number of reasons."

One of the key tenets of Syriza’s election campaign was that it would do things differently. It would mark a change from the previous establishment. A more democratic and transparent approach to governing. Denying the parliament a vote on such a crucial decision seems to be at odds with such an approach. While there is no legal requirement to hold a vote (and the original agreement did not have one) it seems only right to judge Syriza on its own terms and promises.

The Syriza leadership also seems to be contradicting itself. The government has previously claimed that the current extension marks a substantial change from the previous approach (we had our doubts). If it does mark a serious change, then surely that is even more of a reason to require a vote? If one is not needed because it is “just” an extension, well, then Syriza says it effectively achieved nothing much of substance in the negotiations.

The decision ultimately seems very self-interested. As we noted in today’s Daily Shakeup, there were numerous reports of dissent within the party, with up to 40% supporting rejecting the agreement with the Eurozone. While support in the parliament is still likely (due to New Democracy and Pasok), avoiding a vote avoids revealing serious divisions publicly.

There is a small saving grace in that all the constituent parts of the deal will have to go through parliament (the reforms etc.), though it’s worth wondering if there will be a backlash against some of these due to a lack of initial vote.

For those who support Syriza it may look to be another step in the increasing list of electoral promises which have been broken. Tsipras is still enjoying substantial support from the Greek public – a Metron Analysis poll published on Saturday in Parapolitika showed that 76% of Greeks had a positive view of the Syriza-led government so far – but at this rate, his support may start to erode quickly, not least because the toughest negotiations have barely begun