Quadriga: The International Talk Show | Quadriga

Greece under Austerity - Reform or Rebellion? Greece is on the brink of chaos. As the politicians struggle to implement reforms and to comply with the demands of their European neighbours and other international lenders, there is violence on the streets of Athens. A variety of groups is protesting against the government's radical programme of austerity.

The budget which has now been agreed paves the way for Greece to receive international financial support to the tune of 130 billion euros: breathing-room for Greece and for Europe's common currency - for now, at least. But the experts say that the danger of a Greek default has not passed.The Greek Prime Minister, Lucas Papademos, has managed to persuade most members of his government that Brussels is slowly losing patience and that Greece has to save itself. But he has not been able to persuade the people. They are unconvinced that mass layoffs in the public sector are a good idea, or that reductions in pensions and the minimum wage as well as enormous tax increases are the right medicine for the economy. Many feel the cuts are unfair, and they do not believe that the alternatives, such as an orderly default, would be equally painful. And yet, many experts think that that is the most likely outcome.

What next for Greece? How much longer will be the government in Athens be able to maintain its own stability - and with it the stability of the country as whole? How much solidarity can be expected from other European countries? How much longer will Europe continue to put up the money to finance Greece's debts?

Greece under Austerity - Reform or Rebellion?Tell us what you think: Quadriga@dw.de