Dashed expectations

The negotiations regarding the sustainability of Greece’s massive debt have not resulted in the success that had been hoped for. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, like other politicians, fell victim to the exaggerated expectations and delusions he helped to cultivate.

A deal on the debt was turned into the country’s biggest priority and major promises were made about what talks would bring about and how this would change Greece’s fate.

The end result, however, has been nothing of the kind.

This should serve as a lesson for us all. Greeks have a tendency to let their passions get the better of them and aim for unattainable targets, only be crushed by disappointment in the end. But politicians have a duty to be clear and honest with the people, and they should avoid setting traps that they will only fall into later. An attitude of irresponsible opposition always comes at a heavy price, even when it is the force that brought you to power.