Agora
When will Greek banks operate as credit institutions again?
Despite the successful recapitalisation process and continued restructuring of the Greek banking sector, the credit transmission mechanism towards the real economy remains severely impaired. Two key reasons account for this severe deficit.
Contributor: Jens Bastian
Categories: Europe (282), Economy (331), Greece (498)
![en_GB Photo by Can Esenbel [www.mundanepleasure.com]](resources/toolip/img-thumb/2013/11/01/pray_agora_800_esenbel-large.jpg "Photo by Can Esenbel [www.mundanepleasure.com]")
Are politicians in Greece promoting reforms or social cannibalism?
Myths have fuelled much of outside perceptions of the Greek crisis. From the lazy Greeks to the runaway shadow economy, observers have sought explanations for the country's problems in these contrived and skewed observations on life in Greece. Like all fairy tales, though, they make for a good story but are rarely a true reflection of reality.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Politics (387), Greece (498)
A summit of little substance
The European Council meeting on 24-25 October 2013 was a rather low-key affair, with the scheduled policy debates on substantive issues overshadowed by the National Security Agency scandal and allegations that the US intelligence authorities had tapped the mobile phone of German Chancellor Angela Merkel (and possibly other heads of state or government).
Contributor: Janis A. Emmanouilidis
Categories: Europe (282), Politics (387)
Words will always hurt
The potential words have to inspire people and drive events should not be underestimated but their ability to do harm should not be taken too lightly either. It is truly regrettable that at this crucial time in Greece, some of the country’s decision makers have chosen to appeal to the devil inside us rather than the better angels of our nature.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Politics (387), Greece (498)
![Photo by Can Esenbel [www.mundanepleasure.com]](resources/toolip/img-thumb/2013/10/21/airplaneedit_800_esenbel_2110-large.jpg "Photo by Can Esenbel [www.mundanepleasure.com]")
Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras held an informal dinner with some of his party’s MPs. He reportedly told them that if Greece would be able to get through a tough summer, it would “take off” in September. We are now nearing the end of October and there has been no departure for the skies. Instead, Samaras is bracing for impact.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Europe (282), Politics (387), Economy (331), Greece (498)