Martin Schulz: Too much politics against the Greek people

0
387

Greece is now in need of investors, calls for an Interview, the former President of the EU Parliament, Martin Schulz (SPD) in the DW. He expressly praises the willingness of the Athenian government in the financial crisis.

In the midst of the financial crisis: Martin Schulz (li.) and Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in January 2015, in Athens

DW: After eight years, the aid programs for Greece. There is actually reason to celebrate?

Schulz: Greece has made significant steps to refinance themselves on international financial markets. This is a basic requirement in order to get investors into the country. This kind of economic stability mode, the country now has reached his credit, credibility is increased, will lead, I hope, that finally, in Greece, is invested. So Yes, Although we are not yet at the end of the trip, we can and should celebrate this success certainly!

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stressed last several times that Greece had acquired from now on, his financial independence. He says to the people the whole truth?

I think, Yes. If not defined independence by the fact that a country is dependent on others for the funding of its budget, then this is a great piece of independence.

What are the Lessons from the Greek bailout for the EU? She was a success story? There is room for self-criticism?

This is a question that you must answer the historian. We are still in the process. Nevertheless, three observations:
First of all, we have a lot of talking for too long about the Greeks and with the Greeks. Incidentally, this was also the reason that I’m immediately after Tsipras took office in Athens and flown to seek the call.

Can be folded: The EU rescue package for Greece

Secondly, the prejudices which have prevailed against a left-wing government, and which have been propagated in the whole of Europe, were unjustified. Tsipras operates a very reliable and reputable policy. He has made many sacrifices and many concessions in his own party, in order to achieve the Best for his country. In the end, he has set himself against the cynics and know-it-alls like Mr Varoufakis.

And the third point is that we have hopefully learned that rescues should not be at the expense of the people. The Greeks were too many Victims ready. But I remember very well that in a country where a third of the population is threatened from the medical care fall out, about the increase of VAT for medicines was discussed. Also on pressure of the international creditors. That was a point where I thought, no, you can’t draw a people to his side. So you can’t fix an economy! You have people always in the and their fates think.

What advice would you give today to eight assistance programmes for Greece?

To bring investors into the country. He (Tsipras, Anm. the Red.) should go on a promotional tour. International the world trying to convince people that many of the prejudices that exist against Greece, unjustified. After years of cuts and pessimism, must now begin a Phase of optimism and growth.

To trust the Tsipras?

I wouldn’t put it past him. If he remains, the Greek people, but I think it deserves to be Alexis Tsipras, the future of Greece is entrusted. I say this, of course, always with a heart that beats for my friends of the PASOK, who have also paid a high political price. But I think Tsipras has shown that he is a brave man ready to lead the country.

Martin Schulz (62) from 2012 to 2017, President of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. In 2017, he joined the SPD as a Challenger of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The Interview was conducted by Irene Anastassopoulou.