The Greek people voted against austerity – why is the EU ignoring this? | John Redwood

The EU authorities are trampling over the will of the people as they push for a solution to Greece's economic crisis. It seems democracy itself is on trial

I am not a natural Syriza voter, but the words and deeds of the EU towards Greece are enough to provoke me to sympathise with the Greek people and their government over austerity.

Greece has lost a quarter of its national income and output since 2007. That means, on average, a Greek citizen who was earning a10,000 (7,000) in 2007 is today, after wage cuts, on a7,500 (5,300). This is a crude average, so in practice many have suffered larger cuts as they have lost their jobs, or were on higher public sector pay, which has been cut more.

If an economic policy creates mass unemployment and crushes living standards it should be changed

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