German press praises Greek economy, blasts migrant conditions

A report by the German financial daily Handelsblatt had words of praise for the fiscal performance of the Greek government.

The report predicted that 2018 may be an exceptional year for Greece, and that the aim is for the country to stand on its own feet by the end of August.

“For the third straight year, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras wants to exceed the targets set by creditors,” Handelsblatt underlined.

“By the end of this year, Athens will exceed its targets. Instead of 1.75 percent of GDP, it is projected that the primary surplus will reach 2.44 percent of GDP,” the report stated.

On the same issue, the German financial review Wirtschafts Woche writes, “According to the [Greek] government, after years of bailouts, Greece is acquiring ever greater control over its finance. In 2018, the primary surplus is expected to reach higher levels than what creditors are demanding,” it reported.

The shame of Europe

Meaanwhile, the German news magazine Der Spiegel featured an extensive report on the refugee centre of Moria, on the Aegean island of Lesvos. Though access is denied to journalists, the reporter wrote that, “One can wear a raincoat and enter secretly.”

That is how he was able to convey the wretched images that he encountered.

“Whoever wants to see the shame of Europe need only climb up a hill between the olive groves of Lesvos, until they reach the tall cement wall of the refugee centre in Moria. ‘Welcome to prison,’ one person wrote in spray paint on a wall. It stinks of urine and garbage, with hundreds of plastic bags on the ground. Rarely has the situation on the island of Lesvos been as dramatic as it is these days. Shortly before winter comes to Greece, 15,000 refugees have been trapped in five Aegean hot-spots,” the report said.

The ‘Greek Freak’ story

The same publication features another story of Greek interest. In a profile several pages in length, entitled ‘The beacon’, it details the story of African-Greek NBA star Giannis Antetokounpo and his family.

“Giannis Antetokounpo began as a hungry, wandering salesman, only to become the best European player of the NBA,” it said.

The report underlined that the NBA star is viewed as a role model for many Greek youth.

“In these difficult times for Greeks, a 22-year-old, and indeed the son of migrants from Nigeria, is considered a role model, who demonstrates that there is a path that leads from poverty to glory and riches.”

in.gr