Category: Speaking Engagements

For the last two years, the debt crisis first slowly, then more quickly, began to take its toll on Greece. Today, the economy seems to be in shambles. The political establishment - even when forced into a unity-cooperation government- cannot come to terms with the new reality. The Europeans and especially Germany are putting exorbitant… Continue reading Should the Greek crisis be just about economics? →

The Eurozone's finance and economic ministers (Eurogroup) met Tuesday and approved  the next €8bn tranche of the €110bn original Greek rescue created in May 2010 by the International Monetary Fund and the European Union. The money is expected to be given to Greece by December 10-15. Next step for the new government is to pursue… Continue reading A sigh of relief →

"Implementation," is the new Greek government's mantra. Following the vote of confidence, time is now of the essence.  While the new government struggles to meet the deadlines and secure the continuation of bailout payments and proceed with the dictates for the recovery plan, Europe is facing  ever-growing problems. Some are calling for more Europe. Others want less… Continue reading Implementation, Implementation, Implementation in a time of European chaos →

While Parliament gets ready to give the new government a vote of confidence on Wednesday, politics are hard at work. George Papandreou called the Ministers participating in the new government to a meeting, something that seemed strange to media and politicians alike. He also said that he was considering seeking a change in the electoral… Continue reading Awaiting for the vote of confidence on Wednesday →

Many wonder whether or not Greeks will be willing to accept the austerity package even after an agreement on a new coalition is reached. Sophia Kalantzakos explains why Greece will work hard to stay in the euro. The new government will stabilize the situation and then focus on a return to growth. http://video.foxnews.com/v/1265142649001/greece-seals-deal-on-new-coalition/?playlist_id=162726

The Greek political crisis dominated foreign media over the weekend. Sophia Kalantzakos was asked to share her experience of the ins and outs of Greek politics and assess whether or not Greece would be able to reach a consensus and form a coalition government.  

As the two main political parties in Greece struggled over the formation of a new coalition government to help pass the meassures necessary to avoid bankruptcy, Italy's problems grew adding to international fears about the future of the euro and the eurozone.

The situation is going from bad to worse. In all these days the two largest political parties have not been able to reach a concensus in order to create a coalition government.  Tonight they were finally supposed to announce the formation of the new government and the name of the new Prime Minister. Instead, the evening… Continue reading What are they doing? →

This is but a brief entry. However, it is unfortunate that up until now we have not had an official announcement about the composition of the new coalition government in Greece. The world awaits and certainly the Greeks await and as they wait, they are losing patience. It appears that things are stalled again. The… Continue reading Waiting for … Godot →

One must never be surprised by the unfortunate twists and turns of politics. The head of New Democracy stormed out of Parliament Friday night vowing not to partake in a coalition government. He was accused of a heated over reaction. The next morning, he called the journalists and announced that this was not his fault… Continue reading Greek politicians may reach agreement by Sunday night →