The Lord of Bluff
11/14/2007
Janez Janša, Slovenian Prime Minister; (photo source)
I may be notoriously recalcitrant (hey, I just learned a new word 🙂 ) but I think just about everyone can see that yesterday’s statement by the Slovenian Prime Minister that the option of the entire Government stepping down is not out of the question is nothing short of a brilliant bluff.
By giving this statement, the Strategist who functions best at times of duress effectively stopped the down-with-the-government campaign before it could begin. He will be turning from a villain to a victim in no time, blaming the EU Presidency (supported by everyone) for any and all problems that may arise. The poor-me/conspiracy card works like a charm.
I am doing a great job and if you think you can do better, go for it! A year before the elections and with the EU Presidency adventure inbetween? We all remember what happened 7 years ago with the player roles reversed, right?
One has to admire the way JJ is playing his hand. He has placed the opponents into a no-win position. Call his bluff and lose the elections or don’t call it and silently admit that he is needed and adequate at his job.
Dr. Filomena » The Bluff Continues said,
November 15, 2007 @ 9:01 pm
[…] so, the Lord of Bluff continues his rule… […]
camille said,
November 16, 2007 @ 10:19 am
I was watching (with Gregor’s occasional translations) last night and at this point I think Janša is right for his stance. If people really want him gone, then great someone else should grab his spot and see what it is like. From what I can tell thus far, a lot of people are spending a lot of time finger-pointing and character-assassinating instead of examining the structural problems. The people wanted democracy and they got it, and now they are blaming their choice for being chosen. The man is a public servant, the public should identify where he is not serving and get him back on task. It’s not as easy as it sounds but I think t’s possible.
dr.filomena said,
November 18, 2007 @ 9:53 am
Ahh Camille… you really need to come over for the baking lessons. We’ll do Slovenian politics 101 along with them 😉
I love the way you point out that JJ is a public servant, by the way. Care to go over to him and remind him thereof? 😉
People didn’t just want democracy. They want to live in a democracy that allows them to live well. With salaries keeping the pace with the price of basic provisions and hopefully allowing for a few extras besides the now expensive proverbial bread and milk.
Dr. Filomena » All the World’s a Stage said,
November 20, 2007 @ 9:39 am
[…] on national TV last night, I couldn’t help but think of the Immortal Bard. The dethroned Lord of Bluff remains Slovenia’s Prime Minister. May he and his entourage serve the country well in the […]
Global Voices Online » Slovenia: “The Lord of Bluff”? said,
November 24, 2007 @ 12:35 am
[…] Filomena writes on how Slovenia's prime minister “stopped the down-with-the-government campaign before it […]
samo zain said,
December 10, 2007 @ 10:34 pm
samo zain…
Thanks for the nice read, keep up the interesting posts…..