The plan lasts just a few seconds in the German Public Television Newsletter (ARD), but the power of the image is catalytic: German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis go up to the Greek Council of Financial Council on the cd. The prime minister is honored with the Ludwig Earrd financial award and speaks a speech-speech on the Greek economy. The Chancellor sends a message that he is not so disgusting, nor as isolated as his political opponents claim. Win-win-situation.

Difficult majorities in Europe

Although considered a “political child” by Wolfgang Schoeble, the inspirer of a Europe “concentric circles” and “multi -speed” Europe, Friedrich Mertz seems to embrace (and) the teaching of Helmut Colmut that “the smallest countries in the European Union are worthy of the European Union.” This practice had allowed Color to form strong alliances and majorities in a decisive context when the euro was established, which in turn was linked to the smooth completion of German reunification. The strong majority is also needed today by Mertz at a crucial turning point for Europe’s course, which is trying to emancipate by NATO, but without collapsing financially due to exorbitant defense spending.

Personal relations was maintained by the “Chancellor of reunification” and with German Konstantinos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece in the Trako (inside and outside borders) period 1990-1993. It is perhaps early to make comparisons, but not to recall some particular aspects of Greek-German relations in the critical period 1990-1993.

When Col visited Crete

In 1991, Helmut Kol had visited Chania to attend the anniversary events for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. He was even hosted by Konstantinos Mitsotakis. It was the first time that a German Chancellor was making such a high symbolism move, sending a message of reconciliation and gratitude to the Greeks, but also reminiscent of the historical responsibility of the Germans, many of whom until now do not even know that during the Second World War.

In the infamous controversy over the “Macedonian” many remember Konstantinos Mitsotakis’ hurried visit to Bonn in January 1992, with Helmut Kolut “backing” on the name issue, giving the Greek side more time.

Something similar had happened to the announcement of the EEC Foreign Ministers in December 1991, and later at the Lisbon Summit in June 1992, while feverish consultations were held on the legendary Pineiro Package. Unfortunately, however, within borders, many overwhelming, maximalists or professional patriots had already come to the conclusion that “we have solved the Macedonian” …

An essential role for Greece?

All this at a time when Yugoslavia was burning. Speaking to Der Spiegel in 1992, Konstantinos Mitsotakis rejected the “cunning” scenarios and publications of the era on military involvement, clarifying that Greece is not going to move, “unless it is attacked”.

Greece appeared as a prudence voice in a geopolitical scene of absurdity. Perhaps our country had a more meaningful role as a “honest mediator”, but also promoted its own agenda more effectively if it were not on the brink of economic collapse, once again. Because in 1989/90 the budget deficit reached 25% of Greek GDP, while the State spent 44% of its revenue to serve a huge debt.

At that time, Greece did not have the basic power or the outside good testimony to be a “part of the solution” and not a “part of the problem”. Today things look different, at least if we trust the language of numbers. Maybe it’s an opportunity for a new beginning. Not just for Greek -German relations.