Is a Greek Success Story Possible?
Is a Greek Success Story Possible?

Summary/Abstract: The ‘success story’ frame – also in times of deep economic crisis – is often publicly used by the Greek administration in its effort to mediate its alleged success to fulfil international commitments and apply the bailout terms. But does this notion reflect the reality? This article will attempt to elaborate on this question. Although it will show that Greece has managed to relatively reduce its budget and current account deficits and increase its competitiveness, it will mainly concentrate on the principal reasons why recovery seems a utopia. The continuing incompetence of Greek political elites to implement structural reforms, their populist rhetoric, their credibility deficit, their emphasis on political and personal goals – instead of national ones –, and their failure to inform public opinion on the lack of viable alternatives are considered as the dominant aspects challenging the ‘success story’ frame.

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