THE Martin Schultzin a revealing interview with DW, refers to the decisive role it played as President of the European Parliament in its negotiations Crisis of 2015expressing the view that the time has matured for a redistribution policy After years of hard austerity.

The German Social Democrat recalls in detail in those dramatic weeks and months that shaped the modern history of Greece. From his position on the European Political Stage, he continues to closely monitor developments in our country, stating:

“What happened all these years have shook people’s confidence in fundamental values. It is good that there is a relative economic recovery and as is often the case in politics, Kyriakos Mitsotakis seizes the fruits of Alexis Tsipras’ sowing, which was of course associated with very great sacrifices. “

Social footprint of recovery

Sultz points out that the financial size They improve, with international public opinion recognizing Greece’s progress. At the same time, he raises the question:

“The question to ask is if the Greeks do better.”

He emphasizes that the majority of citizens have suffered large cuts in salaries and pensions, while the development of inflation further exacerbated their daily lives. As he points out, this makes it even more necessary a policy of fair redistribution of wealth.

Grexit’s Avoidance and the Role of Germany

The former president of the European Parliament recalls that Greece was in the razor cut with the possibility of dismissing the eurozone. It refers to Angela Merkel’s steady opposition to the pressures – including Wolfgang Schoeble – for Grexit, as well as the contribution of the Social Democrats and France under Francois Hollande.

“I thought it was unacceptable that we were talking about Greece, but not with Greece,” He reveals, making special mention to the then Greek negotiators and the attitude of Yiannis Varoufakis, but also to his personal decision to go to Athens in time for direct talks with Alexis Tsipras.

Eurozone, solidarity and structural weaknesses

Sultz confesses that Greece was facing serious deficiencies, with the main absence of tax ethics and wealth leakage abroad. However, he clearly states that a possible dissolution of the eurozone due to Greece would send a devastating message internationally. Particular reference is made to the enormous importance of conservation monetary stability and the euro, which was the stake in those days.

It is worth noting, as he says, that the costs for the partners was minimal, while the image created in public opinion was turned into a tool for the rise of extreme voices.

The rise of the far -right and the responsibility of politics

Analyzing the new European landscape of the last decade, Schultz points out that over time the crises create a suitable ground for the far -right and populism. He stresses that concepts such as solidarity were called into question, with citizens asking “Why threaten my pension because of the crisis in Greece?”

At the same time, it deconstructs the narrative of the burden of the average German taxpayer, clarifying that the money was given under the form of guarantees and investment benefited the German economy equally. Comments that “Unfortunately, other impressions were made, which were exploited by the far -right”.

The future of social democracy and the political alternative

Martin Schultz, today’s president of the Friedrich Emert Foundation, refers to the challenges facing the Spd And the importance of renewal through the younger generation, with a strong female presence in the party. He recalls that the Social Democrats continue to rule or participate in government coalitions in countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Britain, Germany, Austria and Poland, against strong far -right opposition.

In closing, he points out that the Social Democrats must show more confidence as the political power of alternatives – not of division and logic of ‘White-black’ which leads to dissolution.