Agora
Posts on June 2015
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 (373), Greece (477)
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 (279), Politics (373), Economy (316), Greece (477)
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 (373), Greece (477)
How Greek banks were left on the brink
Almost a year ago, Greek banks successfully raised 8.3 billion euros in capital increases, which were oversubscribed more than 1.5 times amid strong interest - primarily from international institutional investors.
Contributor: Manos Giakoumis
Categories: Economy (316), Greece (477)
Tsipras needs to sign a deal, but which one?
There have been plenty of sensible people advising Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras that he has to do a deal with the country’s lenders but few of them until now suggested he should sign the proposal put on the table by the institutions. Therein lies the problem for the SYRIZA leader: The risk of not agreeing with creditors carries so many potential dangers it is hardly worth considering but the option of agreeing to the lenders’ plan also has numerous pitfalls.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Europe (279), Politics (373), Economy (316), Greece (477)