Open Letter from Syriza Leader to German People

C_Mababejive

I'm with the ordinary Greeks. Here in the UK we hear Government leaders and would be leaders talk about austerity and paying down our debt but listen up. It has precisely nothing to do with me. The only debt i owe is a small amount on this months credit card which will be paid in full before the due date. I do not owe anyone anything so why is Government trying to smear me with some of their debt?

I refuse to accept or take any ownership of it.

CLAPTON

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Germans are naturally cautious. Savers rather than spenders (on credit). A hangover from the reconstruction years. Often forgotten how badly Germany suffered in the Allied bombing raids. That were far far worse than the blitz.

no-one under 80 will remember much about the WW2 bombing
and I guess other Europeans have some unhappy things to reminisce about from the war too.

purch

antrobus wrote: »

Strictly speaking, had the rules actually been applied from Day One, then I don't think a single one of 'em should have been admitted.

And yes, maybe it does suggest that Germany should consider returning to the DM.

The year before the EUR became reality only the U.K. and Denmark actually qualified to join, and they both didn't.

P.S. It's DEM not DM

Thrugelmir

CLAPTON wrote: »

no-one under 80 will remember much about the WW2 bombing

Ingrained into culture. Parents to children. The after effects of the war also lasted many years.

Masomnia

I think the problem is still that they see themselves as Greeks first and Europeans second, likewise the Germans see themselves as Germans first. As long as that's the case it just won't work, because the convergence of policy that is necessary either won't happen, or will face too much opposition and be stalled if implemented.

Thrugelmir

Masomnia wrote: »

I think the problem is still that they see themselves as Greeks first and Europeans second, likewise the Germans see themselves as Germans first. As long as that's the case it just won't work, because the convergence of policy that is necessary either won't happen, or will face too much opposition and be stalled if implemented.

At least is opening up a real debate as to what the people want the Eurozone to be. Rather than being spoon fed by an unelected elite.

antrobus

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Germans are naturally cautious. Savers rather than spenders (on credit). A hangover from the reconstruction years. Often forgotten how badly Germany suffered in the Allied bombing raids. That were far far worse than the blitz.

The household savings rate is higher than the EU average in Germany, 16% or so compared to 11%. But then, (a) somebody has to save, and (b) it's 15% in France, Belgium, and Sweden. So I'm not sure that the Germans are 'odd' in that regard; I think it far more likely that the Brits are 'odd' by not saving enough.

CLAPTON

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Ingrained into culture. Parents to children. The after effects of the war also lasted many years.

I'm sure the Polish, Greeks, Czech, Dutch, Danish, Norwegians, Jews, Roma and a few others share memories with their children.

antrobus

Thrugelmir wrote: »

The plan has to be fiscal unity. Standardised retirement ages, VAT rates, minimum wage etc etc. National Governments doing their own thing will never work. Both France and Italy require structural reforms of the labour markets.

That's not going to happen this side of Christmas.:) And for another thing, once you have a European government, then the opinions of 80m Germans are going to count for more than the opinions of llm Greeks.

antrobus

C_Mababejive wrote: »

....I refuse to accept or take any ownership of it.

So you'd presumably be doubly unhappy if you ended up having to pay for some Greek government debt.