In politics, situations are difficult, very difficult, or very difficult. Both internationally and nationally, we are in the third field. The West is retreating, and it is clear that there is a lack of political leadership from the United States to the European Union to face the enormous challenges of our time.

Citizens everywhere are waiting for answers from their local leaders who recognize but deliberately “ignore” the consequences of external influences. Solving problems and overcoming deadlocks require, above all, honest and objective analysis. This does not mean that you agree or accept the reality that you are analyzing. I would say that this is a description of how the doctor describes the patient’s condition.

The drama is that in most of Europe there are upheavals in political systems and the destruction of the party geography of the past. Political analysis boils down to conspiracies for outsiders, easy exposure by opposition parties, and, to a certain extent, embellishment by governments.

When data, their analysis and knowledge of the international environment are incomplete, policy proposals are conscious or unconscious products of populism and partisan interests.

Greece has stabilized its economy since a deep crisis, handled the pandemic relatively successfully, and prepared diplomatically and defensively for a national threat. However, the analysis of the current situation, in order to cope with the next very difficult winter, as well as in subsequent years, must also take into account other facts: The financial balance is extremely fragile. The government, obviously, is obliged in every possible way to support the needy and not all indiscriminately. But we know how difficult it is in a country with tax evasion, tax evasion and incomplete data to identify the truly vulnerable, and not just those fooling around with very low tax returns. So in this area it is clear how much reforms concerning the economy, justice, control mechanisms were and are necessary.

The effects of the energy crisis should speed up the process of licensing renewable energy sources, but the problem cannot be solved only at the national level. The problem is that the European Union does not seem to have the same strength, determination and will that it has shown in the economic crisis, especially in the health crisis. May the next period pass quickly for the benefit of all countries. Unfortunately, one can predict that the EU will either continue with rapid institutional changes and quick decisions, or dissolve with a deafening noise.

The issues of democracy that have arisen in the country are important and remind us that in Greece, despite Europeanization and the maturation of democracy, there are no institutions and political culture.

In mature democracies, parties prioritize the national interest even to the detriment of party gain.

The national threat from a neighboring country is assuming unprecedented proportions. Turkey appears to be switching sides as it moves east, setting a new agenda that dates back to the Ottoman Empire as if treaties, agreements and international law didn’t exist.

Finally, the perceived political danger of a non-governmental movement shaped by party positions calls into question what we have achieved and what we need to achieve.

So how is our future shaping up? Mature democracies face political risk when there is consensus, parties prioritize national interests even at the expense of party gain. It is interesting to watch what is happening in Germany at this time among the huge problems that this country also faces.

The tri-party coalition, based on their agreement, presented in June a joint plan on the labor market, wages and household support, which they will discuss for agreement at the end of September with the social partners, i.e. enterprises and trade unions.

When a federation with a three-party central government and extremely powerful industry and unions is wooing concessions, it’s not a big stretch to think that we could try to do so. But Greek reality is slipping day by day into confrontational toxicity, with aphorisms, insults, slogans from the old times of polarization and clear commitments on how NOT to form a government. However, despite all of the above, it is the citizens who will choose political stability and strong power that can withstand an unprecedentedly unpredictable future (or not).

I believe that those leaders who attract the voters of the Center will win. These are leaders who will convince that they know, prompt, but above all are ready for honest and conditional cooperation. In other words, these are leaders who will also speak to an unbiased audience.

* Ms. Anna Diamantopoulou is President of the Network, President of the EU Commission on the Future of the Welfare State, former EU Commissioner, former Minister.