Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
Interview with economist Paul Krugman on future of eurozone: "Greece was probably a doomed prospect from the moment that we got the truth about their budget. Spain, which is really the epicenter, is still savable"
On the rhetoric of Greek political parties, as we approach new elections: "Suicide is the negation of a certain type of politics. Even as a rhetorical device, suicide remains an act rather than a word; and democracy needs words"
"If proof were needed of the maxim that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, the economic crisis in Europe provides it." Short, sharp piece on how eurozone crisis is damaging notions of democracy and social justice
There may be no good options, but can history guide us to the least bad ones? Let's consider: German reunification, collapse of Austria-Hungary, Argentina's abandonment of dollar peg, 14th century Florence, 20th century Panama
Germany has done exceptionally well out of the euro project. And now with Greece in crisis they find themselves with much to lose. Syriza leader, Alexis Tsipras, clearly recognises this. And he's prepared to use it against them
Just a matter of time. Painful, but no politically workable alternative. "The country has already started on the self-reinforcing downward spiral that leads to a crisis, and there is no one big enough to reverse the spiral"
"The financial re-engineering of Europe is a prerequisite for the euro to survive. Greece is bringing forward that moment of truth. And yet politicians, particularly in Germany, have still to accept the logic, let alone explain it"
New finance minister Pierre Moscovici "should reassure the markets. The appointment of Laurent Fabius as foreign minister is interesting for other reasons. For one thing, he and Mr Hollande do not enjoy a happy relationship"
Who is Joachim Sauer, husband of the German Chancellor? Important sounding-board, who stays resolutely out of the spotlight. Dedicates himself to career in theoretical chemistry. Cracked at least one known joke, although few got it
The French presidential election may be remembered not so much for Hollande's victory and the triumph of normalcy, but as the decisive step in populist parties' march to power. In the first round, one third of voters backed them
The view from Germany: "Greece has been in intensive care for years, but the patient, instead of recovering, is just getting sicker and sicker." Elections were final straw, it's time to leave the euro. Here's how it could happen
Hollande's unpretentious calm sits well. But in policy terms Berlin and Paris are far apart. "Mrs Merkel is ready to talk about growth, but not if it means reopening the fiscal compact and not if it will cost Germany billions"
Image from Wikimedia Commons
Former adviser to Greek PM says eurozone is disintegrating, but here's how to resolve the crisis...
"How can anyone govern a nation that has 246 different kinds of cheese?"
