In the beginning of 2020, the Greek economy had started to show remarkable dynamism. Having solved its basic macroeconomic problems, it was growing at a faster pace than other countries in the Eurozone. It had preceded a difficult decade of economic crisis accompanied by three memoranda. Before the discussion even opened about the economic model that the country would follow in the coming years, a non-economic external-global-disruption, the pandemic of the coronavirus, came to overturn the momentum that the Greek economy had begun to shape with difficulty and sacrifices of the Greek people. Recession took the place of growth and disappointment took the place of joy. It will take a plan, patience, and social tolerance to manage the next day. A plan of recovery and reconstruction on which political forces and social partners will agree.

This book is a summary of thoughts, research, articles in the media, speeches, and discussions I have had over the past ten years with my students, my colleagues at the State Budget Office and at KEPE, members of parliament from all parties in the Greek Parliament, ministers and government officials, representatives of the IMF, the European Commission, the European and Greek Court of Auditors, the OECD, and finally, with ordinary citizens.

P.L.