As the two main political parties in Greece struggled over the formation of a new coalition government to help pass the meassures necessary to avoid bankruptcy, Italy's problems grew adding to international fears about the future of the euro and the eurozone.
Author: Sophia Kalantzakos
Sophia Kalantzakos was born in Athens, Greece. After graduating from Yale and Columbia, she became a Member of the Hellenic Parliament in 2000 (the first woman elected from the State of Messinia), serving on the Committees for Foreign Affairs and Defense, European Affairs, and Education.
During her tenure as Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection, the government passed far-reaching pension reforms. Ms Kalantzakos also focused attention on the creation of green jobs through the use of EU structural funds for companies and environmental NGOs.
Ms. Kalantzakos' work has extended beyond the traditional policy realm, recognizing that cultural change and public engagement are essential to fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future. To that end, and in order to prepare future generations, she has authored a series of children's books which promote strong environmental themes.
In 2010 she left politics and was named Global Distinguished Professor in Environmental Studies and Public Policy at New York University. She also serves as a member of NYU's Sustainability Task Force, advising on strategy and communications around improving environmental performance and community engagement.
Ms. Kalantzakos has lectured widely on sustainability and public policy, addressing business, government and academic audiences on the challenges posed by the global ecological crisis and the opportunities inherent in strategic green economic development. Her research and teaching focus on the geopolitics of green growth and Europe’s path to sustainability. One current project examines how rhetoric about sustainability and clean energy in the United States has failed to engage the public or advance policy goals, in contrast with divergent approaches in Europe.
Step One: Papademos a respected economist named New Greek PM
"The course will not be easy," Papademos said. "But the problems, I'm convinced, will be solved. They will be solved faster, with a smaller cost and in an efficient way, if there is unity, agreement and prudence." After days and days of politicking Greece set its best foot forward. It chose a Prime Minister who served as… Continue reading Step One: Papademos a respected economist named New Greek PM
What are they doing?
The situation is going from bad to worse. In all these days the two largest political parties have not been able to reach a concensus in order to create a coalition government. Tonight they were finally supposed to announce the formation of the new government and the name of the new Prime Minister. Instead, the evening… Continue reading What are they doing?
Waiting for … Godot
This is but a brief entry. However, it is unfortunate that up until now we have not had an official announcement about the composition of the new coalition government in Greece. The world awaits and certainly the Greeks await and as they wait, they are losing patience. It appears that things are stalled again. The… Continue reading Waiting for … Godot
The world is still waiting…
The past few days have been critical for Greece's future. Events have been place quickly and we can see the twists and turns of politics at work. On Saturday it seemed unlikely that the opposition -New Democracy- would work with Papandreou's government to reach a coalition government to save the country from bankruptcy and also… Continue reading The world is still waiting…
Greek politicians may reach agreement by Sunday night
One must never be surprised by the unfortunate twists and turns of politics. The head of New Democracy stormed out of Parliament Friday night vowing not to partake in a coalition government. He was accused of a heated over reaction. The next morning, he called the journalists and announced that this was not his fault… Continue reading Greek politicians may reach agreement by Sunday night
Papandreou wins vote of confidence but coalition government unlikely after head of opposition party refuses to cooperate and demands elections
It is a true wonder why final speeches are always the best. George Papandreou gave a clear and inspiring speech trying to defend his 30 year political career and his premiership during this unprecedented crisis. He spoke eloquently about how he believed in transformation and taking risks throughout his public life. He asked for a… Continue reading Papandreou wins vote of confidence but coalition government unlikely after head of opposition party refuses to cooperate and demands elections
GREEK CRISIS UPDATE
Who can predict how things will turn out in the end. The vote of confidence takes place tonight. It had seemed all but certain that Prime Minister Papandreou would lose the vote Friday night but politics can be unpredictable and he may actually survive tonight. The reason for this is that opposition leader Antonis Samaras,… Continue reading GREEK CRISIS UPDATE
Memo to Papandreou: Exit stage left
In all my years in politics, I have never listened to such an outrageous speech especially in a time of such serious crisis. PM Papandreou just finished his speech to his parliamentary group explaining the events of the past few days and why he is asking for their vote of confidence on Friday. The speech was insulting… Continue reading Memo to Papandreou: Exit stage left
There is no future for Greece outside Europe
The events that are now unfolding in Greece are so tragic, unthinkable and unpredictable that one cannot but be dumbfounded. Prime Minister Papandreou’s sudden, unilateral decision to call for a referendum on whether or not Greece should stay in the Euro was shocking and reckless. The fact that political parties in Greece were appalled by… Continue reading There is no future for Greece outside Europe
Sophia Kalantzakos 