An analysis published recently on the website of German television network RTL challenges the effectiveness of the austerity programs and the role of troika in Greece. More specifically, the columnist states that “Greece is considered the weak link of Europe. The German press likes to paint the picture of the lazy Greek who wants to be saved by the money of German taxpayers, is a tax evader and buys property in Berlin. Certainly the Greek elite has contributed with its mindset to the creation of this image. However, a look at the current economic data and at the state of ‘normal’ Greeks shows that the austerity imposed by the Troika is catastrophic for the citizens.”

The columnist criticizes the earlier statements of the German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble, who had stressed that there are no excuses “not to take the unpleasant decisions that have to be taken.”
“One thing is clear: People die in Greece because they can no longer afford a doctor. And, incidentally, Schäuble’s party calls itself ‘Christian’,” states the article.

The columnist expresses his amazement about the satisfaction expressed by the Troika on the progress of Greek program during its last visit to Athens and underlines that: “The troika is simply a tool for the complete liberalization of the economy. It leaves no room for sentiment or people.”

According to the article, any additional austerity measures would be fatal for the country. “Just as Germany imposed during the crisis, between 2008 and 2010, a program to stimulate economic activity, Greece also needs an investment program to maintain and modernize its public infrastructure.”

Source: Deutsche Welle