There’s only word by which to describe the “agreement” between euro zone leaders and Greece: disastrous. It cannot hold economically or financially; the Greek crisis will come back to centre stage even if the agreement is implemented according to plan.

The conditions imposed on Greece will turn it into a state that is no longer sovereign. Instead of decreasing (as the Siriza government promised it would) austerity will become tougher. Meanwhile, a whole range of “reforms” is due to be launched by a Greek public administration that is unable to deliver.

The crucial goal was that euro states could continue to show loans extended to Greece as still “bankable” and not money down the drain. Another important point was that chancellor Merkel could convince German MPs in the Bundestag that she had stoutly defended German interests.

Meanwhile, the big burdens will continue to be borne mostly by “ordinary” Greeks.

In past months, the Siriza administration committed enormous mistakes in the ways by which it conducted negotiations with euro governments. But at the end of the day, the latter are responsible for the worst mistake made, namely that of compelling the Greek government to accept the disgusting conditions imposedon Greece.

***

Tourism in the Med

It’s bad when it happens. However it’s another factor that shapes tourism performance inthis country. As has been the case over the years, somebody else’s woes get translated into benefits for us that we neither expected nor called for.

Following the terrorist attacks in Tunisia, many Europeans cancelled the holidays they were due to spend there. The situation in Egypt continues to deter others from visiting that magnificent country. Ditto for the diplomatic and financial troubles in Greece: tourists who had been likely to visit, began worryng they might end up short of cash or medicines while on holiday.

Some must have switched to a Malta destination. When former Yugoslavia disintegrated, that’s what happened.

We need to understand correctly what part of the current revival in tourism performance is due to this factor, and what is accounted for by a real improvement in the product that we have on offer

*** 

Camillo Sciberras

Even with the help of friends, it took me a while to sight a copy, since it had long been out of stock in bookstores. The book was published in 1991 and I didn’t notice then. “Camillo Sceberras” by R Farrugia Randon covers the life, times and family of this Maltese patriot, now rather forgotten, who lived in the nineteenth century.

The author lists a wide stream of facts regarding Sceberras’ activities and opinions. He finds it easy to discuss both his flaws and virtues. Sceberras lived in a period about which we do not know enough. He is portrayed as a brave manin the company of other Maltese, equally forgotten, who were quite familiar with the European progressive ideas of those days in the fields of politics and economic development.

Even if it’s only for this, “Camillo Sceberras” deserves a second edition.