Over To You Merkel: Greek Govt Approves Bill The Greek People Soundly Rejected

The Greek parliament has approved the proposal Alexis Tsipras submitted to creditors on Thursday. The ball is now in Europe's court with a Eurogroup meeting scheduled for Saturday. 

• GREEK LAWMAKERS APPROVE GOVERNMENT'S BAILOUT PROPOSAL: TALLY

As expected, Energy Minister and Left Platform leader Panagiotis Lafazanis voted against the proposal as did Parliament speaker Zoi Konstantopoulou and Deputy Minister of Social Security Dimitris Stratoulis.

If new FinMin Euclid Tsakalotos can secure the support of his EU counterparts tomorrow, the path will be cleared for Greece to remain in the EU under a new program.

• GREEK PM TSIPRAS SAYS GOVT AVERTING A POLITICAL GREXIT
• GREEK PM TSIPRAS SAYS PEOPLE DIDN'T GIVE GOVT RUPTURE MANDATE
• TSIPRAS: AGREEMENT WITH CREDITORS ISN'T CERTAIN, JUST POSSIBLE
• CREDITORS MAKE POSITIVE EVALUATION OF GREEK DEBT PROPOSALS: AP
• TSIPRAS: GREECE WILL MANAGE TO STAY IN EU, AS EQUAL PARTNER
• GREECE BAILOUT TO BE 74B EUROS BASED ON CREDITORS' EVAL: AFP

It remains to be seen how Greeks will respond to the decision. Given the similarities between the "new" proposal and the proposal that 61% of Greeks voted against last Sunday, there may well be pushback from voters and a generalized sense of betrayal among Syriza's core constituency. 

Underscoring the contentious nature of the vote is the following from Bloomberg:

Fifteen governing Syriza party lawmakers who voted “yes” in parliament vote on Greek govt’s bailout proposals to creditors say they oppose the plan, according to statement distributed to journalists.

Lawmakers say proposal shouldn’t have been approved by Greek parliament; they backed it only because they didn’t want the govt’s parliamentary majority to be put into question.

Lawmakers say their “yes” vote shouldn’t be interpreted as acceptance of implementation of austerity measures.

Comments

[22winmag]

Isn't this sort of like the Tea Party CONgressmen voting in favor of Obama's 2009 Iraq war funding extension?

[Amish Hacker]

The entire concept of "consent of the governed" is DOA in the cradle of democracy. A fitting sign of the times.

[lcs]

The baby was strangled in its cradle more than 2000 years ago. 

[DYS]

If voting made a difference, it would be illegal.

[scatha]

So, things will be coming back as they were last December, except ordinary Greeks will suffer more than before.

Namely EU continue extending and pretending that Greece is solvent and that she will implement so-called reform i.e. orders to dismantle the Greek state and continue with further impoverishment of society with NO HOPE FOR ECONOMIC STABILIZATION OR GROWTH.

This is nothing short of insanity, with success measured via propaganda constructs of “All’s Well in the Union” that no one in EU , except for Brussels technocrats was left to believe in.

There will be no reforms in Greece but slow motion crush and collapse of Greek society until next “Crisis” will demand more fiction and more insanity.

The Greek state and society has extremely serious, internal issues that threaten their statehood and must be addressed but neither Greek politicians nor EU bureaucrats want to do anything about them since their corrupted interests are dependent on greed, lies, deceit no matter how much suffering they bring to the population.

Below, for those who would like some background about this whole affair, there is a quote from my comment from few days ago which attempts to explain apparent and now not so puzzling moves by Syriza we were witnessing past few months that ultimately led to their total surrender.

Greece is bankrupt for over 7 years at least and EU denial of this broadly known fact in a sign of collective psychopathology of calcified or rather mummified EU bureaucrats and banksters.

That aside, one must ask himself/herself why this turmoil and chaos now?

It is only regrettable that after clear mandate from Greek people to continue their stands Tsipras seems to interpret it as his personal mandate to do what he please and did last thing in the world he suppose to do first namely firing his FM, practically surrendering his initial negotiation position without a fight. I did not like Varoufakis and his flamboyant style but I appreciate his, although symbolic, challenge to the recalcitrant EU institutions and meetings resembling un-elected  zombie officials’  reunification party inside the EU tomb, where concerns about world of living are all but rescinded and focusing on  decomposing raw meat instead. It took courage to stand up against all these political weasels and the bankster friends.

I stopped to listen to Syriza academic tautologies devoid of anchor to political reality months ago. And the problem was and is first and foremost political. They thought they could stick to their guns but in fact they were giving circus away inch-by-inch all along. This is insult to intelligence to believe that it was going somewhere. It is clear dead end of willful submission. And new FM with his fake Marxist credentials acquired in Oxford will provide an arm with which Tsipras will sign a cerograph that Varoufakis would rather cut off if forced to sign. That may be a simplest explanation why he was fired, not resigned, just read his blog.

I am afraid that Greek people have been conned again and the slow death warrant for Greek working people and future generations will be signed soon, and my test of true revolution, i.e. blood in the streets apparently was proven again right. So what Tsipras actually accomplished?

Syriza got nothing from fascist troika over these last 5 months. Nothing at all. So why they waited all this time and squandered $7 billion surplus and reserves, money that could have been used for transition and negotiation leverage but instead was used to pay this odious debt. The same fight, could have been fought in February from much stronger position without this turmoil. Why it wasn’t? Why banks were not nationalized on Monday as it was in England in 2008 for Christ sake? Who’s interest was to weaken Syriza’s support among suffering population?

What Syriza accomplished so far is to undermine European leftist movements while it is not itself true leftist at all. It is a party of those former worshipers of EU with cushy jobs that have been pushed away from the trough, rejected by fascist EU pals in their quest for gluttony and left behind to rot. It is beggars party having nothing to do with true left like Greek communists that spilled blood for national independence and justice in Greece in 1948. In this context there is nothing curious about all those inexplicable, strange or just stupid and naïve adolescent moves that deny what actually is going on namely steady progress of fascism in Europe and vicious class war with thousands of dead victims of economic extermination. Just consider Greek GDP dropped 25% over last several years, economic effect liken to ongoing hot war, where bombs are falling from the sky.

So far, they are dropping so called metaphorical “neutron bombs” of mass destruction that kill slowly one by one, quietly disappearing form this world without immediate visible damage and producing tens of thousands economic refugees fleeing Greek war zone, a war crime in itself.

The last five months Syriza behaved as controlled opposition steered from Soros headquarters and Broookings institution under quiet acceptance of ECB enthusiast of Greek tragedy.

Five months and Syriza government did not even established itself at all.

The facts.

1. Government has no control over third biggest Army in EU, biggest Army per capita, no military cuts whatsoever, they even buying useless sh.. from US as we speak and Syriza is voting for it in midst of disaster. And defense minister nominated by Tsipras is a rightwing nut. Why?

2. Government has no control over police, no cuts in pay or benefits no prosecution of rampant civil right violations by police against leftist parties and groups.

3. Government has no control over prosecutors and judges, only ONE investigation, related to theft of national treasure, of people connected to oligarchs and foreign banks was open while Syriza members made over thousand requests for investigations.

4. Government has no control over banks. It’s obvious because of ECB but Syriza members requested thousands of reports on banking activities or requests to stop oligarch from repatriating their stolen wealth abroad, no response.

5. Government has stolen retirement money and practically reneg on immediate election promises regarding increase of employment, while paying off so far troika gangsters against their own stated policies and election promises.

6. Government did not nationalized state assets sold to foreign investors for peanuts as declared in their own stated policies that obtained parliament vote of confidence.

7. Government did not use Russia leverage in NATO context, did not vetoed ridiculous sanctions just renewed against Russia under direct blackmail, and threat political assassinations and/or another EUROMAIDAN in Athens from Vicki the “Death” Nudellmann. and did not warm up frozen relationship with Turkey, ignoring unprecedented Turkish support for democracy in Greece, as extremely strong bargaining chip in current geopolitical situation potentially weakening of NATO southern flank.

I stop here but it’s no all.

The Syriza violated their own manifesto many times during last several months perhaps living many with impression that it is nothing but a fake political entity negotiating cash deal for their own leaders while collapsing their own country like many political parties in Greece before. And that how Merkel sees it, angry that they refuse payoff so far and hence she pushes unreasonable political demands and instigate aggressive interference into Greek democratic process and internal affairs using methods liken to economic terrorism, blatantly illegal under EU treaty. Even US is calling for sanity in this German aggression it only because that they fear that Greeks could eventually switch sides and move into alliances with her eastern countries braking up aggressive Calderon around Russia.

It’s pure political theater for “benefit” of raped Greek peasants.

Tsipras has already sold out Greek nation and just seem not to have courage to admit it yet that his promises while were nice songs to Greeks ears were unrealistic considering the EU mafia he had to deal with. Now after firing Varoufakis one thing left for him surrender and receive payoff for breaking young Greeks heart.

As I said before, no Greek blood on the street no revolution against EU totalitarianism disguised as chocking brotherly love.

[The Whistleblowers]

This sounds just like our Government. The people vote, Congress & the Emperor do what they want anyway.

[Bennie Noakes]

The US Constitution was replaced by "The 9 A-holes" (aka SCOTUS).

[TeethVillage88s]

Maybe you mean the Cat-O-Nine-Tails?

From where I sit, seems like the Protocols have already been implemented.

[Victor999]

Didn't you get the memo?  SCOTUS is now a branch of the Sanhedrin.

[db51]

How do a bunch of broke mother fuckers bail out another broke motherfucker with money that don't have and think that is a problem solved.

[xcehn]

Mission accomplished. All formerly public assets pledged/privatised, check. Effective sovereignty transferred to corporate interests, check. Great day for the global overlords now that they own Greece.

[zen0]

OK.

Here is where Schauble will nail these vacillating forkers.

I am rooting for Schauble and his withering look.

I am part German, but that is not why. I just like nasty motherforkers who aren't dicking around and mean what they say.

If he does not come through, I will be noticeably dissapointed, because I have it on good authority that the Eu will half as many members as it does now within 4 years.

[Victor999]

because I have it on good authority that the Eu will half as many members as it does now within 4 years.

What authority?  Your wife slept with Schauble?

[vic and blood]

I hope you are right. The Northern Euro-the return of the German Empire.

[Chris Dakota]

The tribe came for Greece and both guys look like members to me.

Libya,Syria,Greece....

[bytebank]

In the old days it would have been what Swiss bank account the Troika needed to wire the money to. He is a rich man now for sure. Mission accomplished.

[Reaper]

All politicians are for sale. All votes are the lowest bid.

[williambanzai7]

The only way anything will ever change is the final arrival of the Grim Market Reaper.

He will arrive, eventually...

[Yen Cross]

 History repeats Billy... That's Gods little joke on human mortality.

[Ill-news the St...]

"God is a comedian, playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." - H. L. Mencken 

[HardlyZero]

OK. But I really learned a lot the last few days about how both Greece and PR have nearly 95% or 100% dependence on imported oil to run their economy...and they are the lowest on the rung w.r.t. ability to pay off their debt.

Soo, if and when Turkey and Russia provide cheap NatGas to Greece, in a few years (but probably could be cut to much shorter timeframe since Turkey already has their own Natty pipelines being deveveloped), then, perhaps Greece is in better shape than PR.  PR will never be able to get cheap energy, unless PR gets a free energy pass or something from the US.

If Greece were able to get a cheap energy deal for NatGas then in the long run Greece might survive this mess...otherwise the Greek energy costs are too high for it to survive...similar to how expensive energy is in Cyprus.

So Greece and Cyprus need to get their NatGas pipelines done...then setup major ClubMed arrangements for tourism...and then let the energy flow.

[Bennie Noakes]

The Eurogroup should snub Tsipras by issuing a statement saying that it cannot accept the proposal because it violates the wishes of the Greek people as expressed in the Sunday referendum.

[HardlyZero]

As mentioned earlier, since the IMF and ECB are now "on board" with necessary haircut to service the existing loans in the long run; now then, there is no reason for EU/IMF/ECB trifecta to agree to anything quickly.  If a quick arrangement is made then there will be a quick need to haircut...if there is a slowly thought out planning and strategery among the lenders and banksters...then they will more thoughtfully plan the new loan(s) so that there is little need for haircut, but possible extensions.  

Getting existing loans extended and planning out the minimal loss method to new Greek loan(s) will take weeks or months to work out.

I'd expect nothing quick to occur in Europe now that haircuts are immenent upon a "quick deal" loan...so the quick deal loan won't happen (now).

Tsipras and Varoufakis both took huge dumps in the pristine EU lender pool, and its totally clogged the pipes.

[GRDguy]

Voters be damned.  The Great Red Dragon is going to have its way.

I hate that; one of the few things I really hate. Makes me feel so powerless. Which I am.

[zen0]

That is what the viewers at  your funeral will say, " he looks so inept and powerless"........."yes, doesn' he look like himself?"

We all got it comin'

[vomamint]

We should all be mindful of the gravity of what's going on between Greece and the EMU. It's a symptom of an even graver disease. I don't mean to sound apocalyptic, but we've been cautioned to pay attention to the "signs of the times."

[nakki]

Wasnt it nice that they had their little vote, and it didn't mean shit. Hopefully Germany says nein and this shit show comes to an end. 

OT Don't you just love it when you here how we OWE OURSELVES money. Or that the majority of Japan's debt is held by Japanese. All that means is that a lot of Japanese hold a lot of worthless paper. If I could only figure out a way to owe myself, say $5 million I think I'd be OK. 

[jarana]

B U L L S H I T

Do you want to see your "money" back?

Do you want to see your "model" in?

Do you want to see your "employee" quiet?

Do you wnat to see your "grandftaher" honored?

Do you want to see "me" cry?

Time will tell.

M O T H E R F U C K E R S

[TeethVillage88s]

There is at work here a Cultural Mind Fuck if you will permit me to be so graphic.

What can account for the Shift away from Revolutionary Principals that shaped France, Belgium, Germany & the USA?

There must be a plot formed and shapped around control of information, government secrecy, Public Private Partnerships, Secret and not so Secret Agreements with Anglo Governments and NATO Countries... perhaps similar to the secret agreements of the Vatican and of European Royalty with their suitors.

There must be a plot formed around Propaganda at work.

Cold War Relics.

Anglo Media Voices and Control of Publications to focus the minds of the peasants.

Did you know that one Frankfurt Company controls the top 20 US Publishers in the USA in the year 2000. Are there CIA or Government mandates or financial ties?

Bertelsmann A.G.

Well we know the UK & USA have no Limits or Boundaries...

[TeethVillage88s]

Boris Karloff says: YOU'RE A FOOL!

Vincent Price says: What a FOOLISH MAN You Are!

[are we there yet]

For 3 years I have been watching Greece dance around its debts while the banks transfer their debts to the taxpayer and the private sector in Europe mostly. I keep thinking it will come to a head, but it (the debt) continues to grow.

[TeethVillage88s]

Well if it was Government Debt to begin with would it not always fall on Taxpayers?

I'm not disputing you, but where is the answer to be found?

Oh, you mean the European Taxpayer... not the Greek Taxpayer.

Sorry.

But the Definition of a Bailout is a Corporate Bailout which we all know means shifting Private Debt of Corporations on to a Governmental Agency like the IMF, WB, or a Federal Government... or in the USA case the Central Banks which may move this debt to the taxpayer at the worst time when federal debt is a Financial Rating Event.

[Silver Bullet]

The incompetence of Tsipras and Syriza is truly remarkable. I've never seen anything like it.

[dexter_morgan]

you seem to assume they were serious all along and are now changing their tune, Perhaps, but methinks they are ZWO puppets doing their masters bidding all along, and doing a pretty convincing job of acting at points along the way.

[SpasticGramps]

Hockey stick Save for the win. Wash, Rinse, Repeat until revolutoin.

[honestann]

TRAITOR + TRAITORS == BUSINESS AS USUAL

What a slimeball.

NWO      1,542,653
good                      0

[LetsGetPhysical]

This is all fine and good, but.... 78 billion? Is that "per year" or every 6 months? Cause you know damn well they'll be back begging for more sooner rather than later. We heard this whole song and dance the last two times and here we are again. This is getting to be one expensive can kicking. BTW, German taxpayers, you're fucking chumps.

[bart12]

I already know Alexis Tsipraswill be a spineless Greece PM.. It is in their politician DNA!

[Victor999]

Tsipras could have refused the package, that is true.  But then what?  The Greek people would have then ben enraged because he would then be held responsible for their exit from the Eurozone, a prospect they refuse to accept.  So what was he to do in the face of such resolute opposition to leaving the Eurozone?

And btw, Greek politicians are no more spineless than the rest of European politicians, esp in the face of banker and American demands.

[bart12]

Merkel to Alexis Tsipras: In the next bailout, I want all your islands!

[norecovery]

This is all about the US maintaining global financial hegemony, enforced through NATO in Europe and threatening Russia and China in the East.

[Md4]

GREEK PM TSIPRAS SAYS PEOPLE DIDN'T GIVE GOVT RUPTURE MANDATE"

Less than a week ago, nearly two-thirds of Greek voters said no to a troika and EU plan not even on the table anymore.

Tsipras called that election knowing this, yet proceeded anyway, wanting the people to make the decision.

Well...they DID.

Just exactly what mandate does he think any of that gave him to negotiate anything else...ESPECIALLY a proposal reportedly like the defunct plan that was rejected?

Alexis Tsipras wasn't given ANY mandate to negotiate ANYTHING.

That referendum merely said NO to the troika and the EU's demands and provisos, which would've required sacrifices Greeks do not want to make--even today.

Post election last Sunday, the Greek people DID kick the ball back to Merkel and the troika/EU antagonizers.

How much clearer could that be?

So, again, what does Tsipras think he was authorized to do, and why hasn't that 61% not demanded he (and key members of his government) be arrested on charges of official misconduct, if not treason?

Who CALLED that election anyhow?

The 61% or Tsipras?

Did they not give him his answer?

m

[Victor999]

The Greek people simply do not understand (or accept) that they can not have their cake and eat it as well.  They can not remain in the Eurozone if they reject austerity.  It will not happen.  If they want to remain a part of the EU then they MUST accept Merkel's financial dictatorship. 

The Greek people, whether they voted No or not, asked for this current state of affairs.   They can not blam Tsipras for it.  They can only blame themsleves.

[Md4]

Granted.

My point is, Sunday's vote--that an indecisive Tsipras CALLED--answered both HE AND the troika's defunct proposal.

THAT vote ENDED further contact, let alone "negotiating authority", with the troika and the EU.

At THAT point, the EU/troika could either eject Greece, or start getting real about what can and cannot be done with their member state to resolve the impasse over untenable demands.

IF THEIR response were goodbye--unless...

THEN Greece would need to decide to either succumb, or cut all ties to both the EU AND the euro, and get going on a new path, very painful though it will be.

In any case, THAT vote (called by Tsipras) answered the EU and troika's present position.

It did NOT authorize Tsipras to negotiate anything, especially a replica of what had just been so soundly defeated.

If 61% isn't enough of a response for Tsipras and the other side, then perhaps it's time for them to rise, and take matters into their own hands.

While it's certainly true the Greek people have a lot of change to make in themselves, and much sacrifice (including letting go of the euro) ahead, they have NO chance with a double-dealing PM at home, "negotiating" with an incessant oppressor outside.

It's high time to put a stop to the first, and figure out what you're willing to endure to get rid of the other.

m

[DIGrif]

You are one million percent correct in both of your statements. The Greeks should mail Tsipras's head to the troika over that move. He asked the opinion of his people, in the only true democracy on earth, and then did just the oposite. Shoot him...that would be a good opening move. Then ask the rest of the legislature if they want to defy the will of the people.

[SilverFish]

"Relax", said the nightman "We are programmed to receive. You can check-out any time you like.....but you can never leave."

[juppez]

I wonder how much greece loses its GDP in this round of austerity 5% perhaps 10?

[kchrisc]

The guillotine. The only real poll.

Liberty is a demand. Tyranny is submission.^.

Referendum: Sharp, nearly sharp, dull?

[SHsparx]

Well, see you when the next multi-billion dollar bill is due.

[nixy]

The real Troika IS the global banking system.

Rape .... where no means yes.

You don't say no to the banking system.

[wedderburn]

Turkeys don't vote for Christmas

[Czar of Defenes...]

.

.

I think it's hilarious when Leftist and Anarchist ZHers

cover for the corrupt Greeks and their filthy government

by shouting "banksters!!!1!!!eleventy!!" over and over...

But when it comes to Germans or Merkel

it's "burn them at the stake!" time.

All about THEM.

You F*CKING HYPOCRITES.

Keep it up, PLEASE!

Your double standards amuse me to no end.

[MickV]

Banker troll much?

[andrewp111]

And how long will it take Greece to burn through 74B Euros?

Given the sums they owe and their lousy economy, probably not long.

[Duude]

"Lawmakers say their “yes” vote shouldn’t be interpreted as acceptance of implementation of austerity measures."

Proof positive measures won't be enacted.  This was just the vote before the vote.  I said before, this vote wouldnt' change anything, except con the EU into lending this country another $74B in Euros.  Still not going to enact an measures.

[fel.temp.reparatio]

In Crimea, the people spoke and it was done. In Greece, the people spoke and it was undone.

How extraordinary.

[JailBanksters]

Will there ever be a day when Greece , ECB, IMF is not in the News ?

[CHX]

Did someone put a gun on Tsipras temple and said... do as we say or else... ? Seems the only logical explanation to what just happened. The greek people have every reason to revolt at this point.

[Anunnaki]

Leftists always betray the people. Look at Peace Prize and the Dimbocrappers in America