Η Βρετανία ψήφισε έξοδο από την Ευρωπαική Ένωση

Δυστυχώς οι φόβοι μου για επικράτηση του BRexit, μέχρι στιγμής επιβεβαιώνονται ...

το αποτέλεσμα είναι δύσκολο για το BRemain (ο Κάμερον θα πάει στο σπίτι του, το εργατικό κόμμα θα διασπαστεί και άλλα), αλλά το φιλοευρωπαικό ποσοστο είναι υψηλό, είναι συμπαγές και κοντά στην πλειοψηφία ...

αλλά κατά τη γνώμη μου, το αποτέλεσμα είναι ακόμα πιο δύσκολο για το BRexit. Κι αυτό γιατί όπως και στην Ελλάδα, η απόφαση είναι εξαιρετικά δύσκολο να υλοποιηθεί (ασχέτως νομίσματος) και η ηγεσία του BRexit είναι άλλα ντ'άλλων. Ήδη η στερλίνα έχει υποτιμηθεί στο χαμηλότερο σημείο από το 1985 στο 1,3459 ή -9% υποτιμηση μέχρι τώρα...

Το νησί εισέρχεται με λαική εντολή σε μία δίνη προβλημάτων και εσωτερικών αντιπαραθέσεων που ξεπερνά τις δικές μας κλασσικές αντιπαραθέσεις ... 

Αλλά στην πορεία η κατάσταση θα μεταβληθεί υπερ της παραμονής και στο τέλος, εκτιμώ ότι η Μεγαλη Βρετανία (ολοκληρη ή κομμάτι-κομματι) θα παραμείνει στην ευρωπαική οικογένεια

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Ξεκίνησε η ψηφοφορία για το βρετανικό δημοψήφισμα

Οι δημοσκοπήσεις δείχνουν ότι θα έχουμε μία μακρά νύχτα σήμερα στο βρετανικό δημοψήφισμα...

Ως υπέρμαχος της Ευρώπης, θέλω να πιστεύω ότι οι βρετανοί ψηφοφόροι θα ψηφίσουν παραμονή. Αλλά οι Βρετανοί δεν αλλάζουν εύκολα γνώμη, οι αντιθέσεις δεν περιορίζονται στην οικονομία αλλά έχουν επεκταθεί σε πολιτισμικά και ιστορικά θέματα. Και μένει να δούμε το κατά πόσο το θλιβερό γεγονός της δολοφονίας της Jo Cox, αύξησε τη συσπείρωση και κατεύθυνε τους αναποφάσιστους προς το Remain σε τέτοιο βαθμό έτσι ώστε να έχουμε επικράτηση του Remain.

Σε κάθε περίπτωση, η ζημιά έχει γίνει. Την επόμενη ημέρα, η Μεγάλη Βρετανία θα εξακολουθεί να είναι μία διχασμένη χώρα. Κι αυτό θα ενταθεί ανεξάρτητα αποτελέσματος. Στην περίπτωση της επικράτησης του Remain, οι πιέσεις θα ενταθούν γατί εκτός των άλλων η βρετανική κυβέρνηση έχει να διαχειριστεί μια διχασμένη χώρα, με τις δυνάμεις του Leave να αντιπολιτεύονται κάθε κυβερνητικό μέτρο και διαρθρωτικές αλλαγές.

Αυτό σημαίνει ότι η κυβερνητική πλειοψηφία θα βρεθεί σε αμφισβήτηση. Στην περίπτωση της επικράτησης του Leave, η Μεγάλη Βρετανία δεν θα αποχωρήσει αυτόματα από την Ένωση. Κι αυτό γιατί το δημοψήφισμα έχει γνωμοδοτικό χαρακτήρα (εκ του σχετικού νόμου), η διαδικασία αποχώρησης είναι μακρά και πολύπλοκη κι όλες οι αποφάσεις εξακολουθούν να παραμένουν στο βρετανικό κοινοβούλιο.

Αυτό μπορεί να σημαίνει α) να αγνοηθεί το αποτέλεσμα του δημοψηφίσματος από το κοινοβούλιο (εξαιρετικά απίθανο να συμβεί η ελληνική περίπτωση) β) να παραιτηθεί η κυβέρνηση και να προκηρυχθούν πρόωρες εκλογές (γιατί οι φιλο-ευρωπαίοι βουλευτές αποτελούν το 70% του κοινοβουλίου).

Και τι θα συμβεί εάν στις βουλευτικές εκλογές επικρατήσουν ξανά οι φιλο-ευρωπαίοι βουλευτές κι όχι οι ουγκα-γκα-μπουμ ευρωσκεπτικιστές??? Και κυρίως, τι θα συμβεί στην οικονομία στο ενδιάμεσο και μέχρι να σταθεροποιηθεί η κατάσταση???

Σε κάθε περίπτωση θα δούμε εξελίξεις στα δύο μεγάλα κόμματα (συντηρητικούς κι εργατικούς) και αύξηση της πολιτικής αστάθειας σε μία χώρα που δεν βρίσκεται στην περιφέρεια της ευρωζώνης (όπως η Ελλάδα) αλλά αποτελεί το παγκόσμιο χρηματοπιστωτικό κέντρο. Το τελευταίο είναι το πιο σημαντικό και αποτελεί αχαρτογράφητα ύδατα για για όλους (και την Ελλάδα)

Βρετανικού δημοψηφίσματος συνέχεια....

Στα δημοψηφίσματα έχει καταγραφεί ότι έχει μεγάλη σημασία το ποιος θέτει το ερώτημα (στη συγκεκριμένη περίπτωση ο Κάμερον). Αν κι ο πρωθυπουργός Κάμερον κέρδισε κοινοβουλευτική πλειοψηφία κατά τις περσινές εκλογές, η δημοφιλία του έχει επηρεαστεί αρνητικά από την προσπάθεια του να ισοσκελίσει τον κρατικό προϋπολογισμό (μέσω των περικοπών κυρίως στην επιδοματική πολιτική). Επίσης, το κύρος του έχει τρωθεί σημαντικά από το σκάνδαλο των λογαριασμών Παναμά.

Εκ των πραγμάτων, ένα τμήμα των ψηφοφόρων υπερψηφίζει την αποχώρηση από την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση και λόγω διαμαρτυρίας στη διακυβέρνηση Κάμερον. Επίσης, η πρόσφατη προσχώρηση του πρωθυπουργού Κάμερον στο στρατόπεδο του REMAIN έρχεται σε αντίθεση από τη γενική ευρωσκεπτικιστική πολιτική διαδρομή του, μέχρι την προκήρυξη του δημοψηφίσματος.

9 ημέρες πριν το δημοψήφισμα για την παραμονή της Μεγάλης Βρετανίας στην ΕΕ

Φαίνεται ότι αυξάνονται οι πιθανότητες για να έχουμε Brexit και ο πλανήτης να εισέλθει σε αχαρτογράφητα ύδατα. Αυτό καταγράφεται σε δύο σημεία:

η εφημεριδα Sun, που έχει τη μεγαλύτερη κυκλοφορία στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία, παίρνει ξεκάθαρη και δυναμική θέση υπερ του Brexit, και με το σημερινό πρωτοσέλιδο λανσάρει το σύνθημα BeLeave

η εταιρεία στοιχημάτων Oddschecker αύξησε τις πιθανότητες για Brexit κοντά στο 40% (από λιγότερο από 20% πριν δύο εβδομάδες). Αυτό σημαίνει ότι είτε εισερχονται στο στοιχημα περισσοτεροι που εκτιμούν Brexit είτε κλεινουν τις προηγουμενες θεσεις τους, αυτοί που εκτιμούσαν παραμονή στην ΕΕ. ΝΑ επισημάνω ότι τα αποτελεσματα των εταιριών στοιχήματων έχουν ιστορικά καταγράψει καλύτερα τις τάσεις στο εκλογικό σώμα, συγκριτικά με αυτές των εταιρειών δημοσκοπήσεων

Ο δυτικός τρόπος ζωής δεχεται επιθέσεις...

Τα γεγονότα στο Ορλάντο και το Euro 2016 εχουν μια κοινή βαση στο οτι ...

... ο δυτικός τρόπος πολιτισμός, ο δυτικός τρόπος ζωής δέχεται επιθέσεις, και οι επιθέσεις βρίσκουν πρόσφορο έδαφος στο εσωτερικό.

Ειναι ο ισλαμικός ριζοσπαστισμός και ο ρωσικός εθνικισμός αυτά που τροφοδοτούν, ο πρώτος τις επιθέσεις μοναχικών λύκων (οπως Μπατακλαν ή Ορλάντο) ή το προσφυγικό και ο δεύτερος τις λαϊκίστικες κινησεις (Λεπέν, Φαρατζ) ή/και ευρωσκεπτικιστικες δράσεις (δημοψηφίσματα, Ακροδεξιά σχήματα). ...Ο Τραμπ αποτελει λαϊκιστικο φαινόμενο που στηρίζεται κυριως στις τάσεις απομονωτισμού που διαχρονικά υπάρχουν στις ΗΠΑ.

Για το δια ταύτα, ειτε μιλάμε για το δημοψήφισμα στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία, ειτε για τις προεδρικές εκλογές στις ΗΠΑ δεν εχει σημασία που εμεις δεν ψηφίζουμε.

Πρεπει να υποστηρίξουμε με καθε τροπο, το Ναι στην παραμονή της Μεγάλης Βρετανίας στην ΕΕ και την υποψηφιότητα Κλίντον στις προεδρικές εκλογές των ΗΠΑ.

Τυχόν αποτελεσματα που θα παραπέμπουν σε αποσχιστικές τάσεις στην ΕΕ ή την αυξηση του απομονωτισμού στις ΗΠΑ θα επηρεάσουν αμεσα και την Ελλαδα.

Κι αυτο γιατι τα παραπάνω ενδεχόμενα θα αποτελέσουν γεωπολιτικές εξελιξεις που θα μειώσουν την επιρροή του δυτικού συστηματος ασφαλείας στην περιοχή. Κι επειδη η Ελλαδα βρίσκεται στο σύνορο της Δύσης θα ειναι απο τις πρώτες χώρες που θα επηρεαστεί.

Εκτιμω οτι θα δουμε τα χειρότερα πριν δουμε τα καλυτερα και γι αυτο η Ευρωπη και οι ΗΠΑ πρεπει ενώσουμε τις δυνάμεις μας

Σχόλιο για το δημοψήφισμα στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία Νο 2

Η διενέργεια ενός δημοψηφίσματος αποτελεί κορυφαία στιγμή της δημοκρατικής διαδικασίας. Με αυτή την οπτική γωνία θα πρέπει να προσεγγιστεί και το δημοψήφισμα για την παραμονή της Μεγάλης Βρετανίας στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση.

Κρίσιμοι παράγοντες για την επιτυχή διεξαγωγή ενός δημοψηφίσματος είναι α) το ποιο είναι το ερώτημα, το ποιος το ρωτάει, οι συνθήκες και ο χρόνος που θα διατεθεί για την προεκλογική περίοδο.

Δεν χωράει συζήτηση ότι το ερώτημα είναι ιστορικής σημασίας, δοθείσης της σημαντικής συμμετοχής της Μεγάλης Βρετανίας στο κτίσιμο της σύγχρονης Ευρώπης. Αναφέρομαι στη χώρα που ουσιαστικά «κράτησε» απέναντι στην επέκταση του ναζισμού, συνέβαλλε τα μάλα στην εξουδετέρωσή του και στην εμπέδωση συστήματος ασφάλειας, ειρήνης και ευημερίας στη μεταπολεμική Ευρώπη.

Οι δημοσκοπήσεις δείχνουν σχετικό προβάδισμα του Leave έναντι του Remain στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. Όλοι οι αναλυτές συμφωνούν σε τέσσερις παράγοντες που θα καθορίσουν το τελικό αποτέλεσμα:

1. εάν οι νέοι ψηφοφόροι που είναι φιλικά προσκείμενοι στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, θα κατέβουν να ψηφίσουν στο δημοψήφισμα

2. τι θα κάνουν οι παραδοσιακοί συντηρητικοί ψηφοφόροι που αν και δεν είναι εξαιρετικά θετικοί απέναντι στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση και κυρίως απέναντι στη Γερμανία, την ίδια στιγμή δεν τους αρέσουν οι μεγάλες αλλαγές και τα αχαρτογράφητα ύδατα.

3. εάν και κατά πόσο επηρεάζει τις δημοσκοπήσεις το γεγονός ότι οι οπαδοί του Leave απαντούν επιθετικά στα ερωτήματα, ενώ οι οπαδοί του Remain αποφεύγουν να απαντήσουν.

4. Τι θα ψηφίσουν οι Βρετανοί πολίτες με μη βρετανική καταγωγή.

 Οι συνθήκες στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία σε σχέση με την οικονομία είναι ουδέτερες (προς το ευνοϊκό). Κι αυτό γιατί αν και η βρετανική οικονομία «τρέχει» σε ανάπτυξη τα τελευταία 6 χρόνια, ο ρυθμός ανάπτυξης μειώνεται από το 1ο τρίμηνο του 2015. Υπάρχουν διαρθρωτικά προβλήματα, η πιθανότητα να υπάρχει φούσκα στα ακίνητα είναι αυξημένη αλλά τα προβλήματα που προκάλεσαν την κρίση του 2008 είναι σε μεγάλο βαθμό υπό διαχείριση ακόμα.

Αυτό σημαίνει ότι η πλειοψηφία των πολιτών πιστεύει ότι η οικονομία θα χειροτερεύσει, το ερώτημα είναι εάν η κρίσιμη μάζα πιστεύει ότι καλό θα είναι να μην υπάρξουν επαναστατικές αλλαγές (Brexit) που θα οδηγήσουν σε αχαρτογράφητα ύδατα και θα προκαλέσουν καταστροφικές εξελίξεις

στην οικονομία σε σχέση με την αναμενόμενη (sooner or later) ύφεση.

Τρεις εβδομάδες πριν το κρίσιμο δημοψήφισμα που θα κρίνει την παραμονή της Μεγάλης Βρετανίας στην ΕΕ

Το επόμενο διάστημα και μέχρι το δημοψήφισμα για την παραμονή ή οχι της Μεγάλης Βρετανίας στη ΕΕ (23 Ιουνιου) θα δώσω λιγο προσοχή στο θεμα. Οι λόγοι ειναι πολλοί αλλα κρατήστε οτι επειδη εχω περασει πάνω απο 10 χρονια στο νησι, δηλ. θα μπορουσε να θεωρηθεί ως η δεύτερη πατρίδα μου.

Λοιπόν εχουμε και λέμε. Πριν λίγες ώρες δημοσιεύτηκε μια δημοσκόπηση των Guardian ICM για το δημοψήφισμα στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία, η οποία έδειξε 52 - 48 υπερ του Brexit.
Ειναι η πρώτη δημοσκόπηση απο τις αρχές Μαΐου που δείχνει προβάδισμα του Leave. Η προηγούμενη δημοσκόπηση της ICM που εγινε πριν δυο εβδομάδες, έδειχνε 10 ποσοστιαίες μονάδες προβάδισμα του Remain.

Η ποιοτική διαφορά αυτής της δημοσκόπησης ειναι οτι εγινε παράλληλα, τηλεφωνικά και on line. Και στις δυο προηγείται το Leave.

Όλες οι προηγούμενες τηλεφωνικές δημοσκοπήσεις έδειχναν προβάδισμα του Remain. Ειναι η πρώτη που δείχνει προβάδισμα του Leave.

Απο τη δημοσίευση η στερλίνα εχει διολισθήσει κατα 1%, αλλα η ανακοίνωση εγινε προς το κλεισιμο των αγορών. Μένει να δουμε πως θα διακυμανθεί η ισοτιμία αύριο οταν θα εχουμε όλες τις αγορες ανοικτές.

Το ενδεχομενο της επικράτησης του Leave δεν εχει ενσωματωθεί στην τιμολόγηση των μετοχών, νομισμάτων, ομολόγων και κατοικιών στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία

Επειδη εκει συνήθως τα αποτελεσματα των δημοψηφισμάτων υλοποιούνται, το  ενδεχομενο μιας επικράτησης του Leave θα προκαλέσει τεκτονικές αλλαγές και μια χαοτική κατασταση στην παγκόσμια οικονομία επειδη το Brexit αφορά την 1η αμυντική δύναμη της ΕΕ (3η παγκοσμίως), αφορά το παγκόσμιο χρηματοπιστωτικό κέντρο και τη μεγαλυτερη οικονομία του κόσμου (η ΕΕ ως άθροισμα).

Για την Ελλαδα τα πραγματα ειναι πιο ασφαλή λόγω της συμφωνίας της 23ης Μαΐου, η οποία ελπίζω να ολοκληρωθεί τις επόμενες ημέρες. Αλλα μπροστά σε ενα τέτοιο γεγονός, τίποτα δεν θα παραμείνει όρθιο.

Κατα τα γνώμη μου, το ζήτημα ειναι κατα αρχήν οικονομικό αλλα εχει σοβαρές γεωπολιτικές επιπτώσεις γιατι ενδεχομενως να δώσει ώθηση στον ευρωσκεπτικισμό και να εντείνει τις διαλυτικές τάσεις στην Ευρωπη.

Το συμφέρον της ελληνικης πλευράς ειναι να παραμείνει η Μεγάλη Βρετανία στην ευρωπαϊκή οικογένεια.

Oct 30th, 2015, 200 bios haircut of debt, if Greece hosts 2 mios of refugees may be on the table

• According to EuroWorking Group’s official, there are two significant pending items in order that a) creditors will release the next reimbursement of 2 bios euros and b) recapitalisation of Greek Banks will be completed by end '15. He referred specifically to the following pending items: a) the revenue related to the application of VAT on private education and b) the legislation concerning foreclosures.   

• The tragedy of refugees landing at the eastern Greek islands continues despite worsening weather conditions. The coastguard rescued approx. 250 immigrants from drowning on Wednesday but there are still 30 missing. In addition a new wreckage occurred on Thursday, off the island of Kalymnos, with over a 100 missing.

• Ahead of the announcement of Greek Banks’ stress tests this Saturday, the Greek government submitted the recapitalization’s bill in Greece’s Commons. The ratification of this legislation represents a prerequisite as regards the recapitalization of Greek Banks and has to take place within this weekend and before the opening of Monday’s markets. Government’s vice chairman Dragassakis stated that the recapitalization bill will be ratified this Saturday.

• After Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank became the second Greek Bank which launched an exchange offer on its outstanding subordinated and senior bonds. It is offering to pay between 50 and 5, out of 100 depending on the type of securities.

• The Greek government continues its efforts to find alternative equivalent measures which will absorb its initial proposal to apply VAT on private education. It appears that this amount will be raised through additional taxation of vehicles.

• According to the Greek Parliament’s State Budget Office, taxpayers cannot afford to pay additional taxes and that the application of additional taxes will lead to tax evasion. In addition, it emphasized the need to reduce current tax burden which otherwise could lead local economy either to recession or to a long term stagnation.

• On the other hand, according to Greece’s Centre of Planning and Economic Research, the overall economic contraction will reach the level of -0.3% in 2015, which is significantly lower than the -2.3% which is included in state budget. In addition, it predicted a contraction of -1.6% only during the second half of 2015. As a reminder, Greece applied capital controls in end June.

• According to press linkages, Ministry of Labor‘s Katrougalos mentioned during a meeting with the members of Executive Committee of SYRIZA that Greece will apply, sooner or later, a National pension which will be equal to all pensioners.

Risk assessment. As it has been mentioned in previous commentaries, the issue of refugees’ influx to Greece’s eastern islands gradually gains ground in Greece’s agenda with creditors. Although both parts deny that the issue of refugees is included in the agenda of the discussions between Greece and creditors, it seems that parallel discussions are taking place.

If we add to the picture the recent article of Bild, which referred to a Deutsche Bank’s report stating that there will be an agreement as regards the haircut of approx. 200 bios of Greek debt, the following scenario gradually gains ground:

'Creditors to agree on a significant haircut of debt, if Greece manages to host a significant number of refugees for a certain period of time and allow international institutions to handle refugees’ matters as long as they will be hosted in Greek territory'     

The fact that smugglers gradually start using larger boats to deal with weather conditions shows that Greece will face an escalation of refugees influx, anyway. And this will be further intensified in case of  a general instability within Turkey. For the record, more than 500,000 refugees have entered EU through Greek islands since the beginning of 2015.

On a daily basis, there are articles which emphasize that Greece need to take more responsibilities as regards the handling refugees and act as the EU's SE frontier. This means, EU and Greece need to cooperate as regards the formation and roll out of a strategy, which will include not only the creation of a number of hot spots in Greek territory but most importantly, it will include a strategy for refugees’ inclusion in local social net, for a certain period of time.

It becomes evident that this won't only become an issue of historic importance but will assist handling of humanitarian crisis as well, in the most humanly effective way. However, local political system needs to approach the matter carefully.

Firstly, it needs to enhance its European role in the region; otherwise it would become part of the problem with catastrophic consequences to local economy and society.

Secondly, it needs to implement all structural reforms in order to ensure the sustainability of its pension system and internationalisation of its economy.

Last but not least, if this agreement occurs, it could benefit Greece both in political and economic terms as it will be established a regional economic and political hub, within European context. And this needs to be Greece’s paradigm in the era of globalisation.   

25th Oct, 2015, Greece’s technical dramatization of negotiations intensifies, amid gradual restoration of interest for investments

• It appears that there is a disagreement between Greek government and creditors as regards the implementation of measures which are included in the 3^rd MoU. More specifically, there are obstacles on taxation of private education and foreclosures’ threshold. This prevents not only the disbursement of 2 bios euros but the Greek Banks' recapitalisation as well.  

• During his visit in Athens, France’s Hollande reconfirmed his previous position that in case Greece fulfils its obligations which are included in the 3^rd MoU, there should be an agreement as regards Greece’s debt relief. He also added that there should be more discussion as regards the threshold for foreclosures.

• Greece’s current account surplus in August closed at 2.1 bios euros which is 0.232 bios euros higher compared to August 2014. This was due to the reduction of imports by -14.7% and an increase of revenues from tourism by +7.3%. However, the value of exports decreased by -12.8% (due to oil prices’ drop).

• The number of unemployed Greeks who are seeking employment reduced to 806,429 in September 2015, compared to 815,434 in August 2015 and 823,618 in September 2014. This slight improvement is related to growth in tourism. However, the part of unemployed which remains out of local marketplace for more than 12 months is 456,329 (56.59%).

• According to the recent report of 'Review of Maritime Transport', the Greek shipping industry maintained its 1^st position globally as regards a) total capacity of ships bigger than 1,000 tonnes and b) number of ships. In addition, the Greek ship-owners increased their market share as regards global shipping cargo to 16.1% (compared to 15.4% in 2014). Last but not least, the Greek shipping industry transports approx. 50% of total EU’s shipping trade.

• The Coca Cola Hellenic which represents Coca Cola’s no2 franchise at global level, announced that OTE (Deutsche Telecoms’ Greek subsidiary) gained the contract to run its datacentre for the next 5 years. In addition, Cocal Cola will transfer its primary data centre from Switcherland to Greece.

• Renting prices for shops in Greece, are the lowest at European level (even lower than Romania and Bulgaria).  According to data published by the Bank of Greece, the total decrease of renting prices reached the level of 31% during the period 2009-14.

• Bulgaria’s surplus of current account increased by +23.7% (on an annual basis) during the period Jan-Aug 2015. This was mainly a result of a reduction in trade balance’s deficit (exports increased by +9.1% and imports by +3.7%)  

Risk assessment. Tsipras’ government attempts to return to his drama-style negotiations with creditors. However, I remain on my previous view that the impact of capital controls to local economy will be less than it was initially expected. Gradually, this becomes the view of many international economic bodies and EU Commission, which are now evaluating the reduction of local GDP to less than -1.5% (from -2.5% which was the initial estimate).

It becomes evident that the better-than-expected Greece’s economic performance will impact positively the base scenario of stress tests and eventually the recapitalisation Greek Banks’ which appears to evolve comparatively smoothly. In addition, the interest of private sector on the recapitalisation of Greek Banks will be assisted by

a) the current rate differential between Greek bonds' yield and bonds of other Eurozone countries,

b) the potential for upside, if Greece implements the changes which are included in 3rd MoU

c) the gradual increase of Greece's geopolitical role due to the on-going fluid geopolitical situation in Middle East and

d) the significant increase of competitiveness during the last 6 years. 

Although, local media are conquered by news related to a disagreement on taxation of private education and foreclosures, the most complicated item remains the restructuring of local pension system. However, the possibility that SYRIZA’s government won’t fulfil its commitments is low, considering a) Tsipras has agreed on this item b) pension system' burden is unsustainable and  impacts significantly economy and c) the implementation of pending structural reforms impacts directly the recapitalisation of Greek Banks which needs to be completed by end 2015.

Although there is a need of taxing certain parts of Greek economy which traditionally didn’t contribute to state revenues, it is absolutely necessary to reduce the overall non-salary cost to local enterprises, hidden taxes to overall economy/society and  current taxation to entrepreneurship, pensioners and employees.

Last but not least, the significant increase of citizens and enterprises’ debt to the Greek state by 1.5 bios show that further increases of taxation on the current taxpayers, will only increase private debt and won’t bring additional revenues. 

The fact that 95% of state budget is related to the increase of revenues, compared decrease of expenditure, shows that these SYRIZA’s government policies won’t succeed, and there will a shift to realism soon. This means that sooner rather than later, there will be a significant reduction of state expenditure, starting from pension system which represents its biggest and most unsustainable item.

   

14th Oct, 2015, Tsipras proceeds with no opposition, on ratification of measures which are included in 3rd MoU

·         The discussion at Greece’s Commons continues as regards the ratification omnibus bill, which is a prerequisite for a) the completion of current evaluation of 3^rd MoU b) the recapitalisation of Greek Banks and c) the official start of discussions concerning the restructuring of Greek debt.

·         At the same time, the process of electing the new leadership at centre right New Democracy party, gradually becomes problematic. The current president of the party Meimarakis, came ballistic to the Elections Committee during its last meeting and withdrew his representative due to issues elated to party' financials and elections process.

·         It appears that there is political scandal in progress, which involves two current Ministers who didn’t declare income and possession of stocks during the previous years. So far, Flabouraris who is Minister of State and Tsipras’ mentor, has admitted that he represents one of the two cases.

·         US special envoy arrives in Athens to discuss the so called IGB gas pipeline project (Interconnector Greek Bulgarian pipeline). US coordinator for international energy affairs Hochstein visits Greece to meet with Ministry of Energy’ Skourletis before discussing the matter in a three-way meeting with the participation of Bulgarian Energy Minister Petkova.

·         Greece’s Statistical Authority, ELSTAT announced that there was less expansion of economic activity during 2014. More specifically, it announced that Greece’s GDP grew by 0.7% in 2014, vs. 0.8% which had initially reported. However, nominal GDP (inflation adjusted) showed a contraction of -1.6%.

·         Hellenic Banks Association's President and Governor of National Bank of Greece’s Chairwoman Katseli stated that Greek Banks won’t need the total amount of 25 bios which have been allocated for the forthcoming recapitalisation. He also emphasized that the potential capital needs aren’t related to internal balance sheet issues but to external factors such as economic contraction.

·         Greece’s social security funds’ financial have been showing a significant deterioration compared to last year. More specifically, revenues declined by 2.5 bios euros showing a primary deficit of 598 mios during the period Jan-Aug, compared to a surplus of 206 mios euros during the same period in 2014. This is due to a drop of 640 mios euros in social security contributions combined by a decrease of 1.5 mios euros reduction of state contribution.

·         Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci stated in NTV television network that the process of transition from the turkish lira to euro has begun in Cyprus occupied territories. He added that the transition to euro and customs union cannot be left for after a positive vote in a referendum on the Cyprus settlement. For the record, there has been an agreement between Cyprus’ President Anastassiades and Akinci on the establishment of a committee for economic harmonisation.

·         Greece dismissed Turkey’s suggestion to set up joint patrols in Aegean Sea with Turkey. However, Greece’s Foreign Ministry stated that is keen to cooperate with Turkey as regards stamping out people-smuggling networks.

·         Turkey’s Erdogan warned Russia that Turkey will seek alternative source of gas supply, after the violation of Turkish airspace by Russian jetfighters during the Syrian campaign. For the record, Turkey gets almost 60% of its gas supplies from Russia’s Gazprom. In addition, Russia has won the contract to build Turkey’ first nuclear plant in Akkuyu.

Risk assessment. Greece gradually returns to reality and normality. I remain on my previous views that a) Greece will fulfil its obligations which are included in the 3^rd MoU and b) Greek Banks’ capital needs will be significantly lower compared to the total amount of 25 bios euros which are included in the 3^rd MoU.

The risk that Greece won’t ratify the omnibus bill by end of this week, is low due to the following reasons: a) Tsipras maintains a refreshed mandate from local electorate and has no internal opposition b) opposition’s political parties (New Democracy and Potami) have entered in a internalization cycle, which weakens their political stance during parliamentary debate and c) vested interests don’t appear as a threat, for the moment.

However, Tsipras has to move fast and secure a) Greek debt restructuring and b) Foreign Direct Investments. Ahead of fluid geopolitical landscape in the region of Turkey, Middle East and Nothern Africa, Greece needs to implement all structural reforms which lead to reduction of taxation and internationalization of local economy, in order to attract significant Foreign Direct Investments.

It is not only the current rate differential between Greece and other Eurozone countries, which make investments in Greek assets appealing. It is Greece’s unique geographical position vis-à-vis the theatre of geopolitical developments. It is mainly its unique position in the region, as it currently represents the only country which is member of Eurozone and NATO at the same time.

12th October 2015, Greek leftist government’s first austerity bill will be submitted today

·         ECB’s Draghi stated that there should be debt relief after the completion of current evaluation. During his interview to Kathimerini of Sunday, he mentioned that the discussion regarding debt restructuring will occur only after the completion of current review. Draghi represents the third head of Greece’s troika of creditors, who reconfirmed that Greece’s debt structuring is on the table and discussion will start just after the completion of current review.In addition, he emphasized the need that Greece will implement all structural changes which are included in 3^rd MoU, in order that local economy will return to growth trajectory.

·         IMF’s Lagarde reconfirmed from Lima - Peru that IMF won’t participate in Greece’s program as long as there is no agreement as regards debt restructuring. She emphasized the need that Greece will implement structural reforms mainly in pension system and banks.

·         Athens International Airport’s CEO, Paraschis was voted as CAPA Airport Chief Executive of the Year 2015. The International Committee of Centre of Aviation valued highly AIA’s innovation, high standard of service vis-a-vis the reduction of operating cost, reduction of carbon footprint, development of the biggest photovoltaic park in an airport, and dynamic marketing strategy.

·          According to press linkages, the EU is planning to merge all Greek Banks’ subsidiaries in Balkan states by end of 2015. This means that in case there are four Greek banks operating in one Balkan state, they will all merge into one Greek bank. At the moment there are about 2,700 branches of Greek Banks in Balkan states with approx. 35,000 employees. As a second step, each subsidiary will be sold within 2016.

·         Greek exports were reduced by -8.9% in August. It is the third consecutive month of exports’ drop. However, Greece’s trade balance deficit also dropped by -8.8% compared to Aug’14. In general, trade balance deficit dropped by -18.5% during the period Jan-Aug (compared to the same period in 2014). This is mainly due to a higher reduction of imports (-9.9%) vs. the reduction of exports (-3.3%).

·         The reduction of value of exports reflects mainly to the drop of price of fuels. On the other hand exports without fuels increased by +6.8% in August (compared to Aug’14). In terms of foreign markets, exports decreased by -22.4% to countries outside EU, and exports to EU region increased by +8.1%.

·         It appears that Greece Ministry of Finance will roll out a massive plan to minimize cash transactions and maximize bank cards’ usage throughout Greek economy. In addition, the use of bankcards will be the sole mean of transactions for a series of professions which were champions of tax evasion such as doctors, lawyers, plumbers, electricians, builders etc.  

Risk assessment. I remain on my previous view that the current coalition SYRIZA – Independent Greeks won’t last long. Despite the fact that Tsipras enjoys a refreshed mandate, the list of structural reforms which are included in the requirements to complete current review, impact vested interests and require broad political support which goes beyond current coalition. Regardless Tsipras verbal determination, it is still doubtful that the current coalition will finally ratify and/or implement those structural reforms. Considering the verbal objection of all other pro Europe political parties to support this austerity bill, we may see coalition’s first losses during next Saturday’s vote.

SYRIZA’s government will submit its first bill with austerity measures today. It appears that there is one MP ‘Independent Greeks’ (SYRIZA’s ally), who has sent ambiguous messages regarding his final stance during the vote of austerity bill. In addition, there is another MP who resigned from Central Committee of SYRIZA, as an act of protest as regards the way that lists of Party’s candidates were formed before elections. If both MPs either abstain or vote against the forthcoming bills, then the austerity bill will be ratified by 153 MPs (out 300).

It appears, that Greece’s government in an effort to meet budget targets, has chosen mainly to raise taxes instead of cutting expenses. In addition, taxation will be increased across all citizens, regardless if they could tax evade or not. It becomes evident that this will result to the increase of citizens’ arrears and social dissatisfaction.

Last but not least, Ministry of Finance’s Alexiadis announced a series of measures, which will reduce cash transactions and increase the bank cards' usage. Greece traditionally is a cash society which means that this is a structural reform of immense importance, which also includes cultural elements; and this makes it even harder to implement.

10th October, 2015, Geopolitics gradually gain ground in Greece’s daily agenda vs. economy

·         Geopolitical tensions escalate in Middle East – Turkey region. Two explosions at a peace rally in the Turkish capital Ankara have killed at least 97 people and injured 186, according to officials. The blasts took place near the city's central train station as people gathered for a march organized by leftist groups. The attack is the deadliest of its kind in modern Turkish history and it threatens the local general elections of November 1st.

·         Greece’s Prime Minister Tsipras accompanied by Defence Minister Kammenos attended the final phase of military exercise ‘Parmenion’. He stated that Greece is not at war, however is in the middle of a destabilisation triangle referring to Ukraine, Libya and Syria.

·         ECB’s Draghi stated in an interview in Kathimerini of Sunday that he has raised concerns regarding Greece’s debt sustainability and there should be elements of lighting the debt burden. He emphasized the need that the Greek Government will implement structural reforms in order to return to growth trajectory.

·         Eurogroups’s Dijsselbloem stated that Greece’s debt restructuring is feasible if Greece honours its commitments. In addition, he stated that there is ground for an agreement according to which annual cost of servicing debt won’t surpass the level of 15% of GDP.

·         New Democracy’s four leadership challengers, Meimarakis, Mitsotakis, Georgiadis and Gigikostas started their campaign. The centre right party’s elections will take place on 22^nd November.

·         Licences of new cars increased by +7.1% in September, compared to September 2014. During Jan-Sep period, licences of new cars increased by +8.1% compared to the same period of 2014.

·         Industrial output increased by +4.5% in August compared to the same month last year. This increase occurred after three consecutive months of falling industrial production. At the same time, manufacturing production increased by +4.2%, electricity production by +9% while mining output decreased by -6.1%.

·         According to Greece’s Ministry of Agriculture, exports of agricultural products increased by +15.7% during the Jan-Jul period (annualised) vs. a decrease of -9.5% during the same period in 2014. Overall the contribution of agricultural products to total country’s exports increased to 30.6% from 28.8% in 2014.

·         It appears that a Chinese bank is included among the four banks which are interested in Finansbank (Turkish subsidiary of National Bank of Greece). As a reminder, NBG’s leadership has confirmed that is planning to sell 40% of Finansbank’s stake. However, the final decision will be based on NBG’s total capital needs which will be announced after the completion of stress tests.

 

·         According to the Bank of Greece prices of offices have dropped up by -30.4% while prices of shops by -28.3% during Greece’s debt crisis. At the same time, rental prices for offices dropped by -29.3% while shops’ ones dropped by -33.9%.  

·         The former Governor of Bank of Greece Provopoulos, took over the position of the Chairman of the Bulgarian Postbank, which is a subsidiary of Greece’s Eurobank.

·         Albania’s GDP increase by 2.5% during the 2^nd quarter of 2015. Growth in local construction industry (+24.5%), manufacturing (+6.3%) mainly contributed to this increase. According to IMF, Albania’s GDP will increase by 2.7% in 2015 and by 3.4% in 2016.  
 

Risk assessment. It appears that geopolitics gradually gain ground in Greece’s daily agenda. The appearance of Tsipras wearing a military jacket in a military exercise is completely new to local public opinion. This is because local leftish political parties traditionally have been pursuing an anti-military, anti-war agenda. However, geopolitical tensions in Syria have started impacting Turkey.

Although Greece’s geopolitical role has been significantly increased during the last couple of months, due to Syrian crisis, a potential destabilisation of Turkey due to geopolitical crisis' contagion from Syrian crisis represents a major threat for Greece’s security.

Needless to say that Greece’s eastern borders, at the same time represent EU’s south east borders and a significant component of EU's energy corridor to Middle East energy resources.

The fact that at the moment all major EU’s important posts related to foreign, security, defence, management of crisis and military are held by Italians, Greek and Cypriot citizens, show the importance of EU's south eastern group of countries to overall EU's security. More specifically:

Federica Mogherini is an Italian politician and is serving as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Dimitris Avramopoulos is a Greek politician and is serving as EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship.

Christos Stylianides is a Cypriot politician and is serving as EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management.

General Michail Kostarakos is a Greek Army officer who served as the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff in 2011–2015. He is the appointed Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, taking office from 6 November 2015.

Last but not least, although the ongoing geopolitical crisis represents a source of risk as regards Greece’s security, it could be proved as a historic opportunity to emerge as a regional safe haven and business, political and cultural hub for the region of Middle East, Turkey and Northern Africa.

As a reminder, Greece represents the only country in the region which is member of both Eurozone and NATO.