It is becoming increasingly clear that politicians that have been strongly criticizing the markets for knee jerk reactions to political negotiations, are now strongly resembling them in their own reactions. Everyday, one reads of how the Euro can survive without Greece and minutes later what a catastrophe it would mean for the eurozone if Greece were… Continue reading Politicians are quickly responding to developments as abruptly and erratically as the Markets.
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.
Greek Elections: The Do or Die Dilemma
The search is over. All attempts to form a government will not bear fruit. Parties and their leaders are just going through the motions until they pick the next date for the national election. It will be up to the people to cut the gordian knot and decide which path to take. The dilemma of… Continue reading Greek Elections: The Do or Die Dilemma
Who will govern if they can’t form a government in June? Tell politicians to “Sign for Greece!”
Greece is fast running out of options. The parties have thus far failed to find a way to form a coalition government mainly because the second largest party SYRIZA does not want any part of it.The polls show that if elections were held today, SYRIZA would be the party of choice for the electorate. So… Continue reading Who will govern if they can’t form a government in June? Tell politicians to “Sign for Greece!”
GAME OVER?
Nothing like a poll to help sabotage any chance of forming some kind of coalition government. May 6 marks Greece's Waterloo. The large parties collapsed and are near extinction, and the populist left came out second in strength. Since Sunday, there have been attempts, ranging from hypocritical to semi-serious, hoping to produce a consensus government… Continue reading GAME OVER?
Η αυτοσυντήρηση και η κρίση ίσως δώσουν μια προσωρινή λύση
Ο Βαγγέλης Βενιζέλος αναλαμβάνει την εντολή να σχηματίσει κυβέρνηση την ώρα που είναι πια βαθιά κατανοητό ότι όλα έτσι και αλλιώς αλλάζουν. Ο Πρόεδρος του ΠΑΣΟΚ έχει κάποιες πιθανότητες να πετύχει αν ο Αντώνης Σαμαράς επιλέξει να σταματήσει ο πολιτικός χρόνος εδώ, για να μην προχωρήσει η συζήτηση για την άμεση αλλαγή προσώπου στην προεδρία… Continue reading Η αυτοσυντήρηση και η κρίση ίσως δώσουν μια προσωρινή λύση
ΣΤΑ ΧΕΡΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΒΕΝΙΖΕΛΟΥ ΤΩΡΑ Η ΙΣΤΟΡΙΚΗ ΕΥΘΥΝΗ
Οσο περνάνε οι ώρες και οι μέρες, τόσο οι πολίτες συναισθάνονται την αναγκαιότητα του άμεσου σχηματισμού κυβέρνησης. Τα μηνύματα από το εξωτερικό δεν αφήνουν περιθώρια για αμφισβητήσεις. Τα πάντα στην Ελλάδα έχουν σταματήσει και πια όλοι αισθάνονται απόλυτα ευάλωτοι μπροστά στις άμεσες δυσκολίες. Αν γίνουν νέες εκλογές τον Ιούνιο τότε θα χαθούν τουλάχιστον άλλοι δύο… Continue reading ΣΤΑ ΧΕΡΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΒΕΝΙΖΕΛΟΥ ΤΩΡΑ Η ΙΣΤΟΡΙΚΗ ΕΥΘΥΝΗ
Τι ζητούν και περιμένουν οι πολίτες (ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ 9 Μαίου 2012)
http://www.tovima.gr/opinions/article/?aid=456724&h1=true Οι πρόσφατες εκλογές κατέρριψαν τον δικομματισμό αλλά όχι μόνο. Αποτελούν τροφή για συνολικότερο προβληματισμό. Είναι ίσως η μεγαλύτερη μεταρρύθμιση που έγινε στην Ελλάδα και τα συμπεράσματα είναι πολλά, μερικές φορές και αντικρουόμενα. Δύο πράγματα πρέπει να αντιληφθούμε: Τα μηνύματα των εκλογών δεν πρέπει να θαφτούν λόγω της κρίσης κάτω από το χαλί. Το «μολών… Continue reading Τι ζητούν και περιμένουν οι πολίτες (ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ 9 Μαίου 2012)
One down, six to go
Antonis Samaras made his rounds looking to form a coalition government. It took only a few hours for him to go back to the President of the Hellenic Republic empty handed. Last night's election signaled the end of an era for the party of New Democracy. Perhaps, it was the vitriolic rhetoric during the campaign that helped to destroy any… Continue reading One down, six to go
May 6: Is it the beginning of the end or a new day for Greece?
Tonight's election results from Greece are the kiss of death for New Democracy and PASOK and mark the beginning of a series of difficult negotiations to form some kind of government to ensure normalcy. PASOK is now the third party in the new Parliament with radical SYRIZA in second place, a short breath away from… Continue reading May 6: Is it the beginning of the end or a new day for Greece?
Greeks vote on Sunday, May 6.
There are just a few days left until the Greek nation votes. The two main political parties are attacking each other in a last attempt to rally the political troops behind their flag. For the first time, it doesn't seem to be working. According to local journalists, the undecided vote is undecided about which small… Continue reading Greeks vote on Sunday, May 6.
Sophia Kalantzakos 