Greece’s Economy and WWII

I was in Athens two weeks ago.  While the city was superficially calm – tourist shops in particular were abundant and eager for business – it was merely a temporary break in the building storm.  And, despite the relaxed vibe, the looming problems were clearly displayed in the strike by government employees which, among other things, closed the Acropolis and National Archaeological Museum for the day.

The primary source of dissatisfaction has been the austerity measures demanded by the European Union in exchange for any sort of bailout.  That outrage culminated today in violent riots and the deaths of three Greeks, adding to the death toll that began last December when a 15 year-old was killed by an Athenian policeman.

What has been fascinating from the perspective of historical legacies has been the heated dialogue between Greece and Germany.  As the Greeks flinched at some of Germany’s proposed conditions, some Germans accused the Greeks of laziness and two German MPs suggested that Greece sell some of its islands to pay for its debt.  Greek leaders, including the Prime Minister, responded with anger, arguing that Germany has owed their country reparations for 70 years, dating back to the Nazi invasion and occupation in World War II.  That language resurfaced in news reports again today.

As anger in Greece boils over, one wonders if other historical sources of resentment, which hibernated during fruitful times, will resurface as the economic crisis continues.