Former European Commission President spoke about a proposal to sell the Acropolis during the financial crisis
Former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has revealed shocking details about the behind-the-scenes negotiations during Greece’s financial crisis.
During Eurogroup meetings, one of the EU finance ministers proposed putting the Acropolis, an ancient monument, up for sale to use the proceeds to cover the country’s massive national debt.
Juncker spoke about this incident in the documentary “Sto Xiliosto” on Skai TV, according to the publication Ekathimerini.
According to the politician, who headed the Eurogroup from 2005 to 2013, the idea of getting rid of the main symbol of Greek civilization was raised during a discussion of the critical state of the economy.
The former head of the European Commission did not name the person behind the initiative, but clarified that the proposal came from a female minister.
Juncker did not explain whether these words should be taken literally or if they were a form of harsh political pressure, but he recalled his immediate reaction to what he heard.
“I said… ‘shut up,’” he added, describing the tense atmosphere of those meetings.
Juncker used this example to vividly illustrate the level of hostility and contempt Greece faced on the international stage after the budget manipulations were exposed.
According to the politician, Athens’ main problem in 2009 was the loss of trust due to the deliberate underreporting of deficit figures. “It was truly a huge mistake.
By admitting that it had misled others, Greece lost trust. And so everyone could say whatever they wanted about it,” Juncker emphasized.
France and Greece will extend their security agreement for another 5 years
A conflict is brewing between Ukraine and Greece over maritime drones
