Sleepless nights
To
the European Union the situation in Greece was thé nightmare of 2012. How to
deal with a country that is economically véry fragile, but politically and
economically so entangled with the rest of Europe? The first support package
was easily crafted, but when that was not enough, views differed: devaluate
debts or still a ‘Grexit’. Already in 2011 specifically British Prime Minister
Cameron reacted fiercely: ‘Not one penny more. British taxpayers' money won’t be spent on another
Greek bailout.’ Also Angela Merkel spoke firmly, but with a different view: the
Greek should economize, and not just a little bit. For ‘us’, but mainly for
themselves. This did not make her very popular in Greece. Understandable when
people see their pensions go up in smoke, but not entirely justified: Merkel
has continued to believe in a future for the Greek in Europe. Even in the
prospect of having to devaluate the debts.
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| President Barack Obama talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister David Cameron (Wikimedia Commons; Official White House Photo; Pete Souza). |
Gusto
Barack Obama has ended
a very thrilling election period. At first it seemed to be a walkover, but
after the television debate it became a very close race with Mitt Romney. In
the heat of the electoral fights hurricane Sandy through herself into the ring,
with disastrous consequences. Obama immediately put the federal government in
action, paused his campaign and sent in many people to provide support. On the
other hand Romney was of the opinion that the government should be holding back
and let the states take the lead themselves. Obama’s gusto and humane response
were praised everywhere and got him many new voters. Interesting detail: according to Obama
himself it was due to the female voters that he was re-elected (‘It was women
wot won the election’)…
Confront problems
True leaders have a sharp strategic insight, do not walk away from trouble, can release themselves from existing structure and are capable to make compromises. Having gusto and being authoritarian are not synonymous: big leaders above all are humane.
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Women cheer in front of Trinity College, Dublin, as
United States
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are
introduced
to a large crowd before an address by the President at College Green
in
Dublin, Ireland, 23 May 2011 (Wikimedia Commons;
Official White House Photo;
Pete Souza).
|
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