Crisis throws spotlight on a love-hate relationship

The financial crisis in Greece during the spring of 2010 has put the spotlight on the love-hate connection between Germany and Greece.

Germany is fighting a rearguard action against pressure to bail out the Greek government, with German public opinion profoundly suspicious of the honesty and efficiency of the Greek state.

But in Greece popular opinion seems convinced that Germany owes its support, not least because of its wartime occupation of the country.

And yet behind the tensions is a relationship of mutual affection, even admiration, and a history of disappointed expectations.

On the 5 March 2010 Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou went to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

ESO: Background information: Germany to forge aid package for Greece, reports say http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-to-forge-aid-package-for-greece-reports-say/

ESO: Background information: Experts eye possible Greek bail-out http://www.europeansources.info/record/experts-eye-possible-greek-bail-out/

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