Tsipras enhanced his power and menace with referendum result

CALLING the bluff of Greek’s European partners, and retorting with an immediate referendum demonstrated Napoleonic verve by prime minister Alexis Tsipras, writes Gerard Howlin. 

There hasn’t been such sudden anxiety within the European establishment since the emperor’s return from Elba. Tsipras rallied the Greek people and demolished his domestic opposition. He acquired the political, but not economic, menace he previously lacked.

Blowing the top off the froth from what happened last Sunday, it is unclear what changed. The thumb screws tighten daily on the Greek people. There is no sign yet, of any softening of hearts among creditors or partners across the capitals of Europe towards Tsipras and his Syriza party.