So has Syriza surrendered?
BY ALBERTO SICILLIA
Since last night the proposal of the Troika Tsipras was published, the debate has begun:
Some argue that the proposal represents a “surrender” of Tsipras. This argument I’ve heard both liberal commentators and members of the left wing Syriza].
Others argue that, on the contrary, Tsipras has started much better than expected and commitments in line with their promises.
© Público.es / Translation
Which is it?
I think both arguments are valid in a sense, depending on “expectations” against which the measure it. In any case, I would like to read your opinions in the comments section.
Let’s start by summarizing the proposals of Tsipras. The reforms aim to raise 2,700 million euros this year and 5,200 million in 2016 through a series of reforms outlined in the following table:
The argument for that Tsipras has obtained a good agreement consistent with their commitments:
1) Most of the money was obtained by taxes rather than cutting public spending. [In fact, according to this plan, 93% of revenues come from taxes].
2) three sections of VAT (the Troika wanted to leave in two) are maintained. Besides the super-small stretch down from 6.5% to 6%.
3) The pension reform is much less harsh than that proposed the Troika.
4) Raise the income tax.
5) New taxes for companies with profits exceeding 500 million.
6) New taxes for families with incomes above 30,000 euros.
7) Increase taxes on luxury goods.
8) No labor reform as requested by the Troika.
9) The Troika has reduced the primary surplus asking the Greek government [3% to 1% this year].
10) And finally, the Troika would also provide some reduction of Greek debt [as suggested Merkel].
In the words of Tsipras: “this agreement will pay those who have more and not, as before, the most needy.”
The argument for Syriza has “surrendered”
Both liberal commentators [with emotions of triumphalism] as members of the left wing Syriza [from anger] say the proposals represent the surrender of Tsipras.
His argument is based on comparing the proposed measures with those contained in the so-called “Thessaloniki Agenda” economic ideology that Syriza presented in 2014 before winning the elections.
The “Thessaloniki Agenda” contains many measures that are not in the agreement:
1) convene a European Conference to eliminate much of the Greek debt as was done in Germany in 1953.
2) Increase public spending immediately at 4,000 million euros.
3) Restore wages and pensions to the level prior to the crisis
4) Check the cost of the Nazi occupation of Greece and receive appropriate compensation.
5) “New Deal” to funded by the European Investment Bank European level.
Do you guys do you think? ¿Tsipras has complied with this proposal or has surrendered?
© Público.es / Translation
¿Entonces Syriza se ha rendido?
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