I don't think Germany are making a land grab, they just don't want to pay more taxes (who does!) and don't want to bail out irresponsible countries/governements (who does!). They are in deep do-do - not as deep as France, and no where near as deep as the PIIGS - and need to find a way out. However, gaining power and influence might be a palatable consequence for them. They did sign-up for, and promote the Eurozone - knowing full well the consequences of allowing in countries, like Greece, which did not fullfill the entry criteria. Predictably they and France are now facing the consequences of their actions and inactions - and trying to get China to pick up their tab!
Several people have suggested to me that (a) Germany owes Greece for reparations/ resources taken during WWII and (b) Germany still owes the UK reparations from WWI. I have no idea if this is factually correct but, like I said, I've heard it more than once recently.
BBC Radio 4's Today Program interviewed some Greeks earlier this week - it was sad to hear. Although their elected politicians have been highly irresponsible over the years (as have ours). Understandably some are planning to leave Greece (perhaps for Germany/France/UK?) A guest on the program suggested Greeks withdraw their euros from banks and keep them "under the bed", so that if/when they leave the Euro, their savings do not get massively devalued.
[I mentioned the war once, no twice, but I think I got away with it ]
Several people have suggested to me that (a) Germany owes Greece for reparations/ resources taken during WWII and (b) Germany still owes the UK reparations from WWI. I have no idea if this is factually correct but, like I said, I've heard it more than once recently.
BBC Radio 4's Today Program interviewed some Greeks earlier this week - it was sad to hear. Although their elected politicians have been highly irresponsible over the years (as have ours). Understandably some are planning to leave Greece (perhaps for Germany/France/UK?) A guest on the program suggested Greeks withdraw their euros from banks and keep them "under the bed", so that if/when they leave the Euro, their savings do not get massively devalued.
[I mentioned the war once, no twice, but I think I got away with it