PFM Board

PFM Marketplace => Have you seen this? => Topic started by: harnett on July 13, 2015, 18:00:16 GMT

Title: Varoufakis Interview - our battle to save Greece
Post by: harnett on July 13, 2015, 18:00:16 GMT

http://www.newstatesman.com/world-affairs/2015/07/yanis-varoufakis-full-transcript-our-battle-save-greece

Most interesting quote:  "there was point blank refusal to engage in economic arguments".

A very interesting read all round!!

Title: Re: Varoufakis Interview - our battle to save Greece
Post by: Napodano on July 14, 2015, 10:19:30 GMT

If you want to act as 'prima donna', you do not ask to become Minister of Finance.
That role is better left to (apparently) dull officials who have the skills for negotiation and can then deliver at home. An example in case, Mario Draghi.

I was surprised to learn that the fiscal measures which the Greek Parliament is asked to approve hastily in two days had not yet implemented in the early years of the austerity plan for Greece.

Title: Re: Varoufakis Interview - our battle to save Greece
Post by: John Short on July 15, 2015, 08:14:47 GMT

It would seem that neither side is representing the Greeks or others well - one not making any meaningful structural reforms and the other not recognising that the existing debt is unsustainable.  Factoring both together would appear to be the only solution, but that may require adults (to quote someone.)

Title: Re: Varoufakis Interview - our battle to save Greece
Post by: Napodano on July 15, 2015, 13:18:16 GMT

Thank you, John for your input and the attached IMF note.

The note is clear and shows the relevance at this stage to resume a technical debate which should supersede all political bickering.