Stakeholder #1

The Birthplace of Modern Civilization: Greece

Valadi, Sam. "The Parthenon" 3/29/2015 via flickr

Greece is an established country in the Western world with history dating all the way back to the Paleolithic era 11,000 years before the common era. Located on the North side of the Mediterranean Sea, Greece has proved to be in the center of the world through the stone age, copper age, and modern day. Spartans who ruthlessly fight their enemies, Athenians who set the foundation for democracy and science today, and the Olympics all represent what Greece has done throughout its thriving history. Greece is made up of a large expanse of islands within the Mediterranean Sea. Greece historically is a democratic first world country with what is considered a high-income economy, pleasing qualities of life, and an increased standard of living. Greece has an extensive history within the world. Whether it be the brave soldiers whom fought for their home under Alexander the Great or those who lived, fought, died, sweat, bled, and scarified during both World Wars against the fascists regime of the Nazi's and the cruelty of Mussolini himself. Today, Greece operates under three branches of government, the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Among the mountainous landscape with beautiful seas and a rich history lies the country of Greece. In all, Greece represents the foundation of our world as we view it today. Visions of democracy, crucial philosophy, and arts and science all bloomed within a country that today continues to make great strides towards the future.

Greece as a country was divided on the topic of their financial crisis. The most widely debated topic within the country was whether or not Greece should stay a member of the European Union and utilize the Euro. Many in the country wish to move away from the EU and adopt a new Drachma, their previous currency. At the moment, the Greek government in power favored Greece staying within the EU and keeping the Euro as their currency. One statement from Alexis Tsipras, the leader of the SYRIZA party states that Greece should not leave the EU and adopt a new Drachma because "...we will have poor people, who have drachmas, and rich people, who will buy everything with euros." The popular opinion within Greece is that as a country they should continue with the EU and the Euro. Primer Minister Alexis Tsipras also stated that he was not satisfied with the bailout deal given to Greece but had no other choice, "A deal we largely disagreed with, or a chaotic default."

Finally, Yanisv Varoufakis, an economics professional that teaches at the University of Athens believes that Greece must take a "time-out from the European Union" in order to deal with its economic situation first before taking the road to recovery.

These claims are all valid when discussing the future of Greece. This situation is unique in the fact that it is dealing with economics on a massive scale. No single person completely comprehends the world of economics or can predict the future when it comes to the economy. Both Alexis Tsipras and 

Yanisv Varoufakis are credible in their own regard. Tsipras being the prime minister of Greece and Varoufakis being an established economic professor at Athens University both have the experience and credibility to be making such claims. These opinions do vary however, from other stakeholders such as the European Union and Germany. Germany believes that Greece is holding back the European Union from growing in a manner where the EU is only as strong as its weakest link. Germany and Greece both are parts of the European Union and the majority of the money loaned to Greece comes from massive German banks that hold a large share of the wealth within the European Union.