Why Alexis Tsipras has capitulated to the demands of the IMF – Challenges.fr

What happens therefore in the head Alexis Tsipras? After earning a solid non of the Greek population in a referendum on July 5, the Greek Prime Minister has to operate an amazing 180 degree turn. In less than a week, who called voters “to overcome fear and blackmail” and accused “technocrats of austerity to try to capture the Europe of Greece” gives the impression of surrender.

Titled “Priority action and commitment,” the 13-page document-which must be submitted by Athens tomorrow at the meeting of finance ministers of the eurozone and the 27 European heads of state Sunday- resembles some details close to copy-paste of measures demanded by the IMF and European creditors of Greece.

From the VAT increase to 23% (especially in restaurants) in the portion of retirement at age 67 (or age 62 with 40 years of contributions) in through the elimination of tax benefits on the islands and the revival of privatization: Athens gives indeed on still taboo subjects in his eyes there was only a few days. Become financially as orthodox as creditors, the Greek government bends further their demands for budgetary surplus for the coming four years.

13 billion savings

Of course, in exchange for the plan, which is expected to save 13 billion euros, the Greek Prime Minister requested 35 billion financing to boost growth, but also a commitment by creditors of “discuss debt relief from the month of October,” said MP Syriza Dimitris .

But the question remains. Alexis Tsipras why he has changed his tune? First explanation: with his victory in the referendum, the Greek Prime Minister has strengthened his own position within his majority. And this strong popular support, he dreams of personal destiny. No more moods, the head of government … wants to stay in power as long as possible. And no question of sharing it with a caveat that it considers more in keeping silence after the referendum. “I will not be the prime minister of a national unity government,” he said this morning before parliamentarians of his party. Second observation: Alexis Tsipras has seen the damage caused bank closures in public opinion. The idea of ​​seeing his country reached the Cyprus syndrome -with financial institutions closed for 18 paralyzes the depreciation.

Third element and not least Tsipras understood that Angela Merkel would not give an inch of ground. Suddenly, he grabbed the hand offered by François Hollande, the French president who wants to avoid at all costs the exit of Greece from the eurozone. Engaged in a race against time, Greek Prime Minister also wants to avoid a Grexit, agreed that the Department of Finance French dispatch several of its senior officials in Brussels to support its finance minister, Euclid Tsakalotos in writing the plan now on the table.

But nothing says that Angela Merkel and her finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, buy eyes closed Tsipras the new plan. For as the late Charles Pasqua said “The promises only bind those who believe in it,”

Jean-Pierre de La Rocque with. Alexia Kefalas in Athens