Greece...

Kendall80

dktreesea wrote: »

No wonder countries like the UK, Switzerland and Sweden didn't join the Eurozone. Germany is acting like a dictator.

Well they couldnt take over Europe militarily so perhaps they're trying economically.

wotsthat

Graham_Devon wrote: »

The BBC's Andrew Neil is stating that Germany want Greece to park £50bn of assets in Germany in order that germany can privatise them (and presumably take the profits).

Thats not a bailout, it's a raid.

And as I assumed earlier, a 3rd bailout will also include Brussels taking over public administration in Greece.

Looks like there are some suspicions that, just maybe, Greeks won't implement promised reforms once they get the money.

Now they've, maybe, got to go down the pawn shop route and have a carer to make sure they don't rush out and blow their money on sweets and comics.

I think we might see Merkel spitting on a hanky to clean Tsipras' face next time she sees him.

vivatifosi

It's disappointing how nasty this has now become. I don't think that there is much more the Greeks can do, meanwhile the situation there becomes desperate. Yes, governments have screwed up, undoubtedly the Greeks as individuals have to bear some responsibility, but the sense of despair must be palpable. Greece's economy really does seem to be circling the drain.

I'm very glad to be British at this point in time.

vivatifosi

Latest, v interesting Philip Atticus blog:
http://www.philipatticus.com/

CLAPTON

vivatifosi wrote: »

It's disappointing how nasty this has now become. I don't think that there is much more the Greeks can do, meanwhile the situation there becomes desperate. Yes, governments have screwed up, undoubtedly the Greeks as individuals have to bear some responsibility, but the sense of despair must be palpable. Greece's economy really does seem to be circling the drain.

I'm very glad to be British at this point in time.

The Greeks can simply leave the Euro and let their economy grow :

It wouldn't stop the massive corruption at all levels of Greek life but that's a matter for them to resolve.


They must choose realistic retirement ages and benefit levels that are appropriate to the level of goods and services they produce : just like most of the people of the world do.

Whats special about the Greeks that doesn't apply to great swathes of Africa and Asia and South America?

vivatifosi

CLAPTON wrote: »

Whats special about the Greeks that doesn't apply to great swathes of Africa and Asia and South America?

1. They are in the Eurozone - and as we know there is no mechanism for exit. I don't for one minute think Syriza is the right govt to get them out of this, but I do feel the fact that there isn't an exit mechanism means that, when a country is in as desperate state as Greece, it cannot be as nimble as other countries in taking control of its economy and getting it back on track.

2. They are in the EU, but are proof positive that the EU notion of all being in it together only goes so far.

The whole Greek situation, ultimately goes to the heart of questioning what the EU and the Euro are all about. There have been disagreements before, but I can't think of any on this scale. This does not apply to S E Asia or the other places because they were not sold the EU dream.

Graham_Devon

vivatifosi wrote: »

It's disappointing how nasty this has now become. I don't think that there is much more the Greeks can do, meanwhile the situation there becomes desperate. Yes, governments have screwed up, undoubtedly the Greeks as individuals have to bear some responsibility, but the sense of despair must be palpable. Greece's economy really does seem to be circling the drain.

I'm very glad to be British at this point in time.

I can't prove any of this....

However, I have a feeling that no matter what Greece came up with in negotiations they would have been told it's not enough. We can kind of see this now. 2 weeks ago, there was no mention of Brussels taking over public adnministration...no talk of Greek assets being transferred to Germany.

It only appears to be now that theres just a fag paper seperating what the Greeks are willing to accept and what the Germans are willing to accept that Germany has ramped up it's demands. Of coruse, Greece are now further away from the deal offered again. They can't possibly catch up.

In truth, it appears it's not what the Greek government will offer that's the issue here. It's simply that the Greek government is the wrong flavour. We've had so many insults directed at them, and the video from the parliament the other day told us everything we need to know, with many in the EU clapping the insults hurled at Tspira's. The only negotiation I feel would be enough is the break up of the Syrzia government and the "correct" political figureheads being put in place....

It appears to be of of no coincidence that Germany insisted on the referendum taking place and refusing to look at the deal put forward by Syrzia last week. It also appears to be of no coincidence that since the referendum and the massive vote in favour of Syrzia, one of the terms of the bailout is that Brussels (Germany) runs public administration. IMO, Germany were simply waiting for Syrzia to fall apart in the referendum and it didn't happen. SO now we only have a deal if Germany runs public administration.

It may be an economic union, but it doesnt appear that economics are the highest agenda here. It's politics.

Greek people will suffer should they continue to vote the "wrong" government in....that, it appears, becomes clearer as every day passes. I'm assuming that the £50bn of assets transferred to Germany would be a "payment" for a debt write down in order that Germany get's its money - the saddest thing about it all is that Germany doesn't even need that money.

And how can a "greek EU exit for 5 years" suddenly be drawn up!? They are makign it up as they go along to suit.

wotsthat

We could do with another leap second to extend the 11th hour.

Graham_Devon

The meeting of the 28 EU leaders has now been cancelled.

Something is going on. But seems the heads of government will no longer get a say.

Now only the finance ministers of the EU will meet.

Graham_Devon

Unverified "rumours" that Italy were too vocal in their objections to Germany and getting in the way, so meeting cancelled in favour of having just the finance ministers in the room.

I really hope this isn't the case