Agora
Posts in Politics
An impossible choice
As this article was being written a few days ago, various European governments and international funding institutions were discussing the consequences of the expiration of Greece’s current financial assistance programme.
Contributor: Jens Bastian
Categories: Europe (281), Politics (385), Economy (329), Greece (496)
Between Scylla and Charybdis
Here we are again, just over five years of the anniversary of the country’s first programme and more than 210 billion euros of financing later, Greece is about to hold the referendum that machinations and backroom dealings averted back in 2011.
Contributor: Yiannis Mouzakis
Categories: Politics (385), Greece (496)
Yes to the referendum, no to the way it's being held
Since the start of Greece’s bailout programs in 2010, there has been an unrequited desire in Greek public opinion for a referendum. In fact, current Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras urged the then Greek leader George Papandreou to hold one before signing the first memorandum of understanding with creditors five years ago. In late 2011, when Papandreou proposed holding one, Tsipras was against the idea.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Politics (385), Greece (496)
The Greeks deserved better than this
For some time it appeared that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, or at least some of the people advising him, felt Greece had something to gain from being in a take-it-or-leave-it situation with lenders as the pressure would be on the other side. Right now, though, it doesn’t seem such a good position to be in.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Europe (281), Politics (385), Economy (329), Greece (496)
Why doesn't Tsipras just cut defence spending?
It seems the easiest option for a left-wing party coming to power and needing to save money: cut defence spending. However, despite being under intense pressure from Greece’s lenders to find a way to meet fiscal targets over the next few years, making some of the savings it needs from reducing expenditure on the military is not as easy as it first seems for SYRIZA.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Politics (385), Greece (496)