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Greek bankruptcy less likely to contaminate eurozone: ministerTuesday 07 February 2012 While it would be preferable for Greece to remain within the Eurozone, enough measures have been taken that ‘we could deal with such a departure’, prime minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday. The prime minister was reacting to comments in the Volkskrant by Dutch EU commissioner Neelie Kroes, who said Greece can leave the eurozone without damaging monetary union. Eighteen months ago, the effect would have been much more serious, but measures such as the emergency fund and recapitalisation of banks have made the eurozone stronger, Rutte told Radio 1. Earlier finance minister Jan Kees de Jager made a similar point. If Greece does go bankrupt, the consquences for the rest of Europe are not insurmountable, De Jager told MPs. Promises De Jager reiterated that it is up to the Greeks themselves to ensure the country stays afloat. ‘But the measures we have taken ensure the risk of the rest of Europe becoming contaminated has been reduced,’ he said. In the interview Kroes is very critical of the new Greek government and says they are not fulfilling their promises. 'Too few spending cuts, too little restructuring,' she says. She says the Greeks should follow the example of Italy where the new prime minister Mario Monti is taking 'dynamic action'. ‘And it is creating just as much pain in Rome as it is in Athens,' Kroes told the Volkskrant. Reactions Kroes’ statement was immediately welcomed by the Socialist Party and anti-Islam PVV. PVV leader Geert Wilders used the microblogging service Twitter to state he is delighted the commissioner has adopted the PVV standpoint. However, Labour’s finance spokesman Ronald Plasterk said he wondered if Kroes’ statement is aimed at adding further pressure on Greece to reform. If so, it is a risky strategy, he told Nos news. © DutchNews.nl
So basically, anything that we are told on breaking news is BS?, yeah well most of us realized that a long time ago: what's next in the world headlines, skating again or back to the coffee shop ID passes?? So glad I'm leaving soon for a break to the tropics where there are no newspapers!! By The visitor | February 7, 2012 10:02 PM Very good article on this in this morning's Dutch language Volkskrant (8 Feb) titled roughly 'Europe gets emotionally ready for the exit of Greece'. Somehow what was populist only a week ago, suddenly isn't populist at all anymore. How can that be? By Bill | February 8, 2012 7:20 AM Bill: Being a part of the 'EU' means 'one for all and all for one.' If EU countries thrive all in the EU benefit, but when one falls in debt, either all lend support by lifeboats (loans) or sink the ship. By JD | February 8, 2012 12:15 PM JD: I would certainly step off a sinking ship rather than drown, if possible. this seems like common sense to me, perhaps this is a cultural difference. as you may see by my comments I'm a strong believer in my peronal responsibilty for my own future and life, and not government handouts and personal subsidies. I also consider myself a socialist but not any sense of my impression of what most Europeans consider socialism to be. By Bill | February 8, 2012 4:45 PM Better late than never? I wouldn't bet on it since we don't know what will happen with other EU countries facing high debts. Better not to forget that Spain, Portugal, and Italy's debt might not be so easy to manage if the economy slows down. EU must face reality and work together to resolve this crisis in unity or more will fail like Greece. Best not to count those chickens before they hatch. By Elaine | February 8, 2012 6:25 PM Unfortunately, propaganda works really well through the media globally. It is a pitty that people believe that the Monetary Fund, banks, and nations just give loans. The loans have high interest rates. In the case of Greece for examle, the interest rate is 5%. Banks and governments are not rulled by angels globally. Their only interest is to make money by "stealing" the money of workers and low class people. However, when there is crisis in a system there is always one to blame. My suggestion for everyone is to be more critical. To conclude, Greece "collapsed" by the entrance to the Eurozone, this country could not stand next to the "strong" central-north european economy. By Alex | February 8, 2012 11:24 PM Elaine: I agree 100% completely, I really sincerely with all my heart hope that European voters and citizens actually understand what is happening to any chances of a future for them or their children. This is not going to 'come good' as the Dutch love top say about any issue, without a whole lot of pain and suffering now for all of us taxpayers. I really do not think most people understand what is actually happening. It's quite sad and frustrating to me to have worked hard my whole life, always paid my taxes, never once asked for a handout from the government - to have my retire age increased and my carefully built up pension payouts cut. By Bill | February 9, 2012 6:53 AM
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What about all the hundreds of millions of euros that the rest of the EU 'lent' Greece? This was our tax money; money we really need right now for our own futures and schools and other essential services. Greek bankruptcy seemed emanate and unaviodable all along to me - it really makes me very very angry that our so-called leaders just continued sending my tax euros down there. Loan, yeah right - get real. Thanks for totally screwing up my future financial plans for a secure retirement.
By Bill | February 7, 2012 3:04 PM