So now we learn that public TV had to be closed when IMF bureaucrat Poul Thomsen blackmailed the minister for the reform of public service, Antonis Manitakis, to immediately fire 4,000 additional public servants, just to scare those remaining, claims Manitakis. So this is what the current government must avoid, given Lagarde's indication of continuing to play hardball.

NO! It needs to be publicly challenged for the overt political intervention that it is - stifling diversity of opinion in broadcast media. Another bluff to call. Make this early and high profile. If need be the only of her red lines crossed at the time.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."