Angela Merkel grew up and studied in Communist East Germany and earned a degree in physics there. Antonis Samaras grew up in Greece and studied for a degree in Economics in the USA, Amherst College no less, both capitalist economies.
Angela Merkel tells Samaras that even though his country is already in deep depression (of 1930s proportions) he must ratchet up the austerity, cut everything, impose more taxes in order to “stabilise” the Greek Economy. And after he has done that, he can perhaps start thinking about growth.
Antonis Samaras who actually preens himself that he is an Economist, presumably should know that such a policy is simply warped because stringent austerity on an economy in free fall like the Greek economy will only lead to complete destabilization. Destabilization of the economy with higher debt to GDP ratios and worse deficits of its very nature, but also destabilization of society with growing unrest, and before long open insurrection.
However, the Capitalist bred and USA educated (In Economics don’t forget) Samaras decided to take Merkel’s word for it not only without question, but publicly declaring that he had sinned when he had said her policies would lead to… where? Exactly where they have led.
Strange fellow that Samaras. Does a complete and Nonsensical about turn just when he has been vindicated.