The infamous G20 strongly suggested that important downside risks to international economy “need to be addressed decisively to restore confidence, financial stability and growth,” It holds weight, no doubt about it. Yet as I continue to look through the new for the past few months, it seems as though this suggestion appears as if it were all talk, yet little action.
To be fair, much action has been discussed. Between the wonder combo of Merkel and Sarkozy, much discussion has been present and it is a wondrous sign to see. The lack of effort is not what I attempt to complain about; rather it is the lack of legitimate action. As Greece’s imminent default comes closer, a fact which seemed fictional all of a year and a half ago, it appears that simply throwing money at the situation will do no good.
Greece has attempted to reconcile the dilemmas by enforcing property taxes far more heavily: an adequate attempt for a country which witnesses many lying on its income taxes. A helicopter view of the region can tell you that as you witness the multitude of private pools. Still, abandoning hope on the region would be just as disastrous as the stalling with calm words that the G20 pushes forward.
Suggestions? Let them default. It sounds crazy, as it should, however reorganization on the debts would be a far better option then leaving Greece with ever-higher debts. It is a far better idea then letting emerging markets get even more infected by the destructive news coming out of the developed markets because, frankly, they may be our only hope. It will restore confidence to see such honesty, opposed to more speeches and far less moves.
This is the worst time for everyone to accept defeat. Even worse, it would be terrible to see the E.U. separate, as many nationalistic-conservatives have suggested. The E.U. still remains the savior of the region, yet it will take much more than the public sector. The governments throughout Europe, and even the US and Asia, should continue to provide support, but the real difference will come as soon as they are able to convince the private sector to help. This is not just a problem that governments need to reconcile by themselves for private markets will face the consequences just as much so.
Still, the private banks and firms seem ominously absent. Perhaps they see no responsibility in the mess yet I assure every reader, as the “Occupy” movements throughout the world have addressed, they have as much blame as every politician we criticize each day. Till they lend a further helping hand, there may be little more for governments to do other than speeches filled with inspiring words. But big business must realize that business is about to freeze without the aid of the governmental subsidies they so rely upon. Cooperation between private and public is necessary; a point I can only assume was purposely absent form these news releases.