As to whether it is perceived or not, certain individuals, in cooperation with the media, are attempting to destroy Papademos as ‘evil’, ‘merciless’ or even as a ‘failure’.

By Aggelos Stagos

For example, the reason as to why he agreed to lead the government was questioned very quickly. This was followed by sly criticism as to why he didn’t carry out his duties. Then the comparison with the Italian, Monti followed citing how he has stood against Merkel whilst Papademos insists that it is the Prime Minister and not the Troika who insists on lowering the minimum wage and cutting the 13^th and 14^th salary.

These criticisms are being voiced by those who fear that Papademos may in fact be accepted by the people who are not crazy about the idea of forthcoming elections and how this government’s life will be extended. They also fear that Papademos may threaten the established order and the respective parties.

In order to put things into perspective, Papademos took the Prime Minister position with a specific mandate for a specific period of time. He was given the mandate by the three parties who supposedly support the present government. Therefore, he came to complete a project, to go to work. The government was difficult to change, firstly because it was difficult to replace old members with new members as it would have taken them time to learn the ins and outs of their new job, secondly, due to the New Democracy Party’s reluctance to co rule and thirdly, as it was difficult to find technocrats from the market to leave their posts and join the new government as Papademos is not a confrontational personality and his priority was to work on the PSI issue, to sign the loan agreement and get the economic policy on track as a result.

 The above answer some of the critiques that Papademos does not dynamically fulfill his duties, taking into account the conduct of the parties and their leaders. Papademos is walking on eggshells and trying not to break up the balance. As of late however, it is obvious that he is learning the ropes and is increasingly using the power that the mandate has given him. He has become more demanding, criticizes ministers and makes leaders aware of their responsibilities. Comparing him with Monti is ridiculous. Papademos was placed in his post by three parties, Monti by the President of Italy, Papademos, from the start has had to work within tight deadlines, Monti hasn’t, Greece isn’t Italy, the Greek economy cannot be compared with the Italian economy and Italy is not constrained by the Memorandum (it is exercising austerity measures however). Neither does Italy have the Troika breathing down its neck. Finally, Monti is supported by his country’s urban and business community, a luxury Papademos does not have.

As we said, the knocking of Papademos has taken a new turn; that he promotes the idea of reducing the minimum wage and cutting the 13^th and 14 salaries in the private sector. This is simply not the case. Those who cry out against Papademos are very aware of the truth but do not want Papademos or his government to succeed as they are indifferent to Greece and its citizens. It is no coincidence that groups of protests have emerged over the last few days…..