CNBC report documents lingering problems, Greeks’ pessimism after decade of crisis

In an illuminating expose on the causes, evolution, and social impact of Greece's decade-long economic crisis, CNBC reports from Greece that society sees little light at the end of the tunnel and that an atmosphere of  pessimism prevails

"I still think the crisis exists. It's more than in one field now, (it's) not only (a) financial crisis, but it's a crisis of our values … I don't think it's better now … it is really a stressful period for Greece," Stavros Dimopoulos, a 23-year-old university student told CNBC in Athens.

While the report notes the Tsipras government's social spending and feverish efforts to argue that the country has returned to a period of normalcy, interviewees painted quite another picture.

"We love our city, we love our weather, we love the Greek people, but we are scared and afraid in a way, because the situation is not that good. We have to try harder and harder to make our own money … Sometimes we are talking (about going) abroad: If it is going to be better for us to leave Greece or if it is going to be better to stay in Greece and try harder. It is in our minds." the university student said, reflecting the mentality that is pervasive in his generation.

The report naturally stresses the brain drain, citing Oxford Analytica data that in 2016 20,000 Greeks between the ages of 25 and 29 left the country, as did another 14,000 aged 20-24 in the same year.

The report notes that despite three years of [weak] growth, the improvement has not trickled down and has made little difference in most Greeks' financial situation and lives.

Beyond the economic data, the report appears to rely on chance man-on the street interviews. Most cited the looming problems of unemployment and over-taxation, as well as the need...

Continue reading on: