Tuesday 21 February 2012

Palliative, not a cure

The eurozone has bought a short-term reprieve, but at what a cost. A massive loan to Greece (somewhat akin to supplying spirits to an alcoholic), external control of Greek financial affairs and a population which, although  a majority wish to stay in the eurozone, is unlikely to find the medicine palatable.  The general election in April will be interesting.  The Left is making significant progress, but is divided.

The BBC report stated the real reasons for the Greek bailout, to buy time for European banks to strengthen their balance sheets and for adequate defences to be put in place to protect Italy, Portugal and Spain.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17110886

Portugal is giving cause for concern.

Merkel and Sarkozy both have internal political problems, the outcomes of which may have much more significance for the future of the eurozone and the EU project.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17095225
The Greek gamble: new risks for the EU.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17116021
'Greece averted nightmare scenario'.  Really.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9094994/Eurozone-agrees-130bn-bailout-for-Greece.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9095011/Eurogroup-agrees-Greek-bailout-full-statement.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,816590,00.html
Default averted

http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,816024,00.html
Portugal neeeds more money to stay afloat.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,816598,00.html
Greek political establishment in freefall.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jeremywarner/100015089/eurozones-shocking-prescription-for-greece/

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jeremywarner/100015114/dallarious-and-doolally-the-eurozone-supertanker-sales-towards-the-rocks/

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,816721,00.html
Merkel government teetering.

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