Social Democracy

Former Turkish economy minister Kemal Dervis, August 21, 2002, in Ankara. Photo: EPA PHOTO EPA/TARIK TINAZAY

Liberal democracies, on both sides of the Atlantic, were tested over the last years by a wave of populism that attempted to sweep away everything in its path.

Until recently, no one believed the cadres of the Movement for Change (KINAL) when they predicted that their party would have a double-digit result in the next general election.

Just over 50 percent of respondents were positive or "probably positive" about the outcome of the 7 July general election that swept New Democracy to power while 46 percent were negative or "probably negative" according to a Kappa Research poll conducted between 9-11 July

Movement for Change leader Fofi Gennimata has ruled out the prospect of her centre-left party joining a coalition government with the top party in the 7 July general election, which according to all polls will be New Democracy by a wide margin.

"We are seeking a strong mandate in order to overturn the political scene," Gennimata said.

It was to be expected that the electoral trouncing of SYRIZA would revive the party's old habit of backstabbing between comrades.

Things which certain cadres were whispering behind closed doors are now being said publicly.

By George Gilson

After stubbornly refusing for months to reveal his intentions, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said that he will support Frans Timmermans's candidacy for the European Commission Presidency.

The man who was supposed to renew the country's political life, PM Alexis Tsipras, kicked of his electoral campaign trips around the country with the very deplorable practices of the past which he once condemned.

Those who watched the Prime Minister's televised speech to his cabinet would surely conclude that he lives in another country.

Was it indeed an effort aimed at arresting the decline in the share of his Movement for Social Democracy's (EDEK) votes or was he really concerned about the Cyprus talks process?