The Interminable Rise of Greek Youth Unemployment

In May Greek youth unemployment was almsot 65%, in June it showed a slight "improevment" falling to 58.8%.

However, when compared to previous years the level of youth unemployment has worsened (as per Efthimia Efthimiou):

- June 2012 it was 54.8%
- June 2011 it was 44.4%
- June 2010 it was 31.3%
- June 2009 it was 23.2%
- June 2008 it was 20%

Levels of unemployment such as this are normally associated with third world countries in the midst of a civil war, or the equivalent. Yet Greece is, allegedly, a first world country and is meant to be an "equal" member of a powerful and prosperous economic block (ie the Eurozone).

The reality is that Greece is not treated as an equal, it should never have joined or been allowed to join the Eurozone and the prosperity within the Eurozone is not evenly spread but confined to the wealthy Northern economies.

As such it is clear that as an experiment the Eurozone is destined to fail, indeed the world will be a better place without it. However, with levels of unemployment such as this in Greece the real danger is that of a plague of dictatorships and civil unrest spreading country by country in the Southern members of the Eurozone.

In order to survive as a democracy and civilised society Greece needs to exit the Eurozone now, others such as Cyprus need also to consider their positions. 

The Greek Problem - Two More Bailouts Needed

European Central Bank Governing Council member, Luc Coene, is quoted by Reuters:

"It's clear that we are not yet at the end of the Greek problem. 

We will need to make further efforts, certainly once, perhaps twice more. 

We will see how the situation develops."

My advice to Greece stands, leave the Eurozone and devalue your currency.

Eurozone Out Of Recession?

The media and Europhiles are hugely excited at the headlines today that proclaim that the eurozone is out of recession.

As per the BBC, the eurozone has emerged from recession after a record 18 months of economic contraction.

GDP grew by 0.3% in the second quarter of 2013, slightly ahead of forecasts. Germany and France dragged the eurozone out of the recession with growth of 0.7% and 0.5% respectively. However, Spain experienced contraction of 0.1% on the quarter, and Italy and the Netherlands both saw output drop by 0.2%.

The eurozone cannot survive in its present form where the rich Northern countries prosper whilst the poor Southern ones collapse, just ask the good people of Greece (with close to 65% youth unemployment) if they feel that they are now out of the recession.

Greece Imploding

Greece is continuing on its downward spiral to financial implosion.

To add to the woes of the good people of Greece, on top of last week's truly shocking youth unemployment statistics (close to 65%), Reuters reports that Greece's economy shrank at annual pace of 4.6% in the second quarter, contributing to a slump of more than 20% in real terms since 2008.

Ironically, in the delusional world of economists, these figures were slightly better than the 5% contraction forecast.

Delusions aside, Der Spiegel has blown the whole charade of bailing out the Greek economy wide open. It quoted an internal document prepared by the Bundesbank as saying that Europe "will certainly agree a new aid programme for Greece" by early next year at the latest.

The Bundesbank also described the risks associated with the existing aid package for Greece as "extremely high", and said the approval last month of a 5.8 billion euro aid instalment to Athens had been "politically motivated".

As I have noted many times before, in order to survive as a democracy and civilised society Greece needs to exit the Eurozone now; others such as Cyprus need also to consider their positions. 

Greek Youth Unemployment Close to 65%

Youth unemployment in Greece has risen to a shocking 64.9% in May.

Levels of unemployment such as this are normally associated with third world countries in the midst of a civil war, or the equivalent. Yet Greece is, allegedly, a first world country and is meant to be an "equal" member of a powerful and prosperous economic block (ie the Eurozone).

The reality is that Greece is not treated as an equal, it should never have joined or been allowed to join the Eurozone and the prosperity within the Eurozone is not evenly spread but confined to the wealthy Northern economies.

As such it is clear that as an experiment the Eurozone is destined to fail, indeed the world will be a better place without it. However, with levels of unemployment such as this in Greece the real danger is that of a plague of dictatorships and civil unrest spreading country by country in the Southern members of the Eurozone.

In order to survive as a democracy and civilised society Greece needs to exit the Eurozone now, others such as Cyprus need also to consider their positions.

China's 7% Bottom Line

China's Premier, Li Keqiang, has underpinned global markets by stating that China’s “bottom line” for GDP growth is 7%, and the nation can’t let growth go below that.

Seven percent is not too shabby at all!

I would note that had a similar statement been issued by the ECB, wrt there being a bottom line for growth for the Eurozone (albeit with a bottom line of growth of far less than 7%), no one would have believed it!

The Verdict on Greece

Last week I wrote that Greece had been given a three day deadline to reassure Europe and the International Monetary Fund that it could deliver on conditions attached to its international bailout in order to receive the next tranche of aid.

Unsurprisingly, post deadline, the EU and IMF have given Greece a less than ringing endorsement noting that the outlook for Greece's bailout programme remains uncertain.

Reuters quotes the Troika:

"While important progress continues to be made, policy implementation is behind in some areas.

The authorities have committed to take corrective actions to ensure deliver of the fiscal targets for 2013-14 and achieve primary balance this year.

The mission and the authorities agreed that the macroeconomic outlook remains broadly in line with programme projections, with prospects for a gradual return to growth in 2014. The outlook remains uncertain, however."

As I warned last week, those with money in Greek bank accounts would be advised to withdraw it now before the jackals pounce. 

Greece's Day of The Jackal Looms

Reuters reports that Greece has been given three days to reassure Europe and the International Monetary Fund it can deliver on conditions attached to its international bailout in order to receive the next tranche of aid.

Europe and the IMF are unhappy with the progress that Greece has made towards reforming its public sector and improving its tax collection.

In the event that Greece misses the deadline or its promises fail to assuage its "bankers", then as sure as eggs are eggs the "solution" that was foisted upon Cyprus (ie a raid on bank accounts) will be foisted upon Greece.

Those with money in Greek bank accounts would be advised to withdraw it now, before the jackals pounce.