Grexit
Candlefocus EditorTo avert default and revive the Greek economy, the country has benefitted from multiple rounds of bailout loans from its European Union counterparts. In addition, the government has implemented austerity measures to decrease expenditure and curb public debt, including severe cuts to government salaries and pensions, elimination of government jobs and introduction of taxes.
Despite repeated rounds of loans and austerity measures, the debt crisis remains a lingering threat for Greece. The country currently has the highest debt to GDP ratio in Europe and the Greek people oppose further austerity and bailouts from their European Union counterparts. This has given rise to the idea of Grexit.
The idea of Grexit is to exit the Euro-zone and reinstate the Drachma as its official currency instead. This would allow Greece to regain control of its monetary policy, devalue its currency, and make its exports more competitive. This would also help Greece to pay back its loans in local currency which would be easier to manage compared to the Euro. The devaluation of the Drachma can also help to increase tourism and trade, which could help boost the economy.
However, Grexit also carries its own complications. Greece will likely face severe backlash from the European Union if they pursue this dramatic step. It is also uncertain how much the reinstatement of the Drachma could devalue and what effect that could bring. Furthermore, it is not certain how it would be used or how it would be accepted in the markets.
Despite the appealing outcomes of Grexit, it remains a controversial solution due to the uncertainties and potential pitfalls it brings. The Greek government has currently rejected the idea of Grexit. Nevertheless, the topic will remain in the financial vernacular as the debt crisis remains a looming threat in the country.