As Tsipras uses the polls for his own ends, democracy fatigue threatens | David Patrikarakos

The Greek prime minister needs to overcome leftwing elements in his own party and gain political cover for his acceptance of a bailout. So his weary citizens are being hauled out to vote yet again

For the third time since January, the Greek people are going to have to trudge to the ballot box. Once more they are going to have their say in order to untangle a political mess.

Last night the Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras submitted his resignation to Greece's president and requested that snap elections be held as soon as possible. The earliest date this can happen is 20 September. And so, once more, the campaigning will begin; the process of governance will be put on hold. Greece will be paralysed.

Continue reading...