As we leave Greece after 3-1/2 months, I would like to make a prediction based on all the opinions I have heard and read: the Presidential candidate whom the government will propose will get at least 180 votes (or whatever lesser number is required in the final round)!
Why?
I have been doing some thinking. I have tried to put myself into the shoes of an MP who looks at his monthly paycheck and thinks of his family of five. My understanding is that an MP earns about 100.000 Euro per year. So, if the current legislative period runs out its full term, I would be looking at about 150.000 Euro for me and my family. But if it comes to new elections, I might be looking at --- nothing.
Well, MPs with backbone and principles would certainly not think that way but there should be enough MPs of the other kind to make up the necessary number of votes.
Why?
I have been doing some thinking. I have tried to put myself into the shoes of an MP who looks at his monthly paycheck and thinks of his family of five. My understanding is that an MP earns about 100.000 Euro per year. So, if the current legislative period runs out its full term, I would be looking at about 150.000 Euro for me and my family. But if it comes to new elections, I might be looking at --- nothing.
Well, MPs with backbone and principles would certainly not think that way but there should be enough MPs of the other kind to make up the necessary number of votes.
Klaus: Be warned - Santa Klaus will soon visit you and punish you for this kind of thoughts!
ReplyDeleteH.Trickler
That has been obvious for some time now, such a pity; general elections would have been so much more fun. Add to the wages the perks and fringe benefits they receive tax free. Add to that the first time MP;s who think they would not be re-elected this time around, they may lose a lifelong pension (inheritable in perpetuity for wife and children) for serving the mandatory 2 legislative sessions. add to that the uncertainty Mr. Tzipras has caused in his own cadre by stating that a NO to the president proposed would not guarantee a nomination for MP in the following general elections. Add to that the vaqueness of the constitution that uses the words roll call vote (recorded vote) and ballot indiscriminately. A roll call normally recording your name and vote whereas a ballot only records the number of yes and no's. Knowing the Greek penchant for secrecy I would guess that individual MP's votes would not be published, and that the looser would demand them published and leak them. We are in for a lot of fun and screams of "unconstitutional".
ReplyDeleteLennard
Good thought. Lots of similar articles flying around recently. I bet every MP must have read at least one of them and put his/her mind to work (I feel that not every MP knows how to do that!). Actually, today there was news that a movement in the parliament from independant MPs gears towards an agreement for the Presidential election issue. Keeping fingures crossed!
ReplyDeleteWe'll find out soon enough. :D
ReplyDeleteSo the Europeans finally upped the ante and said to the Greek government. "There will be no more money or commitments from us before you have done the reforms you have promissed, and proven that you will be in power for the next year. If you cannot do that you are of no value to us". I still look forward to the heroic election of a president, for The Nation!!
ReplyDeletePS. Reading the Greek and international media one could think that they were at 2 different meetings.
Lennard
And the Europeans had the calender on their desks during the talks, telling them that several billion of Greek loans mature in March 2015. Do you think Mr. Tzipras got the message? I doubt, I think he is beyond pedagogical reach.
ReplyDelete