At the beginning of 2020, the Greek economy had begun to show remarkable dynamism. Having resolved its fundamental macroeconomic problems, it was growing at rates higher than those of other Eurozone countries. This followed a difficult decade of economic crisis accompanied by three memoranda.

Even before the discussion started about the economic model that the country would follow in the coming years, a non-economic external –global– disruption, the coronavirus pandemic, came to overturn the dynamics that the Greek economy had begun to shape with the hard work and sacrifices of the Greek people. Recession took the place of growth, and disappointment took the place of joy.

A plan, patience, and social tolerance will be needed to manage the next day. A plan for recovery and restructuring on which political forces and social partners will agree.

This book is the culmination of thoughts, research, articles in the media, speeches, and discussions I have had over the last ten years with my students, my colleagues at the State Budget Office and KEPE, parliamentarians from all parties in the Greek Parliament, ministers and government officials, representatives of the IMF, the European Commission, the European and Greek Court of Auditors, the OECD, and, finally, with ordinary citizens.