But this time it is the OECD which, with its annual report on well-being, deals a devastating blow to the government’s “magical picture” of the economy and social conditions. The report comprehensively examines 80 sub-indicators related to the parameters of social well-being, resulting in a comprehensive and unalterable picture. And it is an image that ends the story of the development of the government that distributes its goods throughout society.
● It ranks third in terms of wages, with Mexico and Colombia in the bottom two. The significant result is that wages also declined in the period 2019-2022, a period in which Greece ranks 4th from the bottom (above the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Germany!) due to the government’s management of the pandemic. The OECD therefore confirms that the gambling theory (when profits rise, the whole of society benefits – including wage earners) is unsupported and at the very least a fraud.
● It is first in negative performance: it has – and largely the second – the highest percentage of citizens who have great difficulties “making ends meet”, followed by Mexico, Slovakia and Turkey. The percentage of citizens facing economic hardship exceeds 65%, a much higher percentage compared to the period before the crisis and the memos. Here again the significant result for the sub-period 2019-2022 is seen: during this period the improvement on this indicator was very small.
● It is 4th from the bottom in terms of the percentage of citizens who are satisfied with their lives, and this despite the fact that in the period 2019-2023 it records the 4th largest improvement! This means that the citizens had an alarming sense of social misery in the memorial period.
● In the satisfaction index with the use of time the highest 20% in relation to the bottom 20%, Greece is last with 5.22%, with the OECD average of 2.67%.
● In the overall satisfaction index, Greece is in 4th place from the bottom.
The overall picture is that Greece, despite the 2019-2022 development cycle, is still below pre-memorandum levels, social poverty is widespread and the development has strong and international aspects… cutting edge features of social inequality.
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and an OECD Expert on Well-Being
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Elena Rossi, an expert from the OECD who has contributed to this year’s annual report on well-being. Dr. Rossi, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the report. It seems that this year’s findings are particularly striking regarding Greece’s economic and social conditions. Can you summarize the key takeaways for our readers?
Dr. Rossi: Absolutely. Our report provides a detailed analysis of 80 sub-indicators reflecting various aspects of social well-being. What we found was quite concerning—the data paints a comprehensive picture that contradicts the prevailing narrative from the Greek government about socioeconomic growth.
Editor: Interesting. You mentioned that Greece ranks third lowest globally in terms of wages, along with Mexico and Colombia. What implications does this have for Greek workers and the economy at large?
Dr. Rossi: Yes, that’s correct. The declining wage levels between 2019 and 2022 have placed Greece alarmingly low in the wage rankings. This decline indicates that even as the nation recovers from the pandemic, workers are not seeing the benefits. It suggests potential issues with the government’s approach to economic recovery, which appears to have neglected wage growth.
Editor: The report also points out that Greece ranks fourth from the bottom concerning social conditions. How does this position relate to the broader context of unemployment and job security in Greece?
Dr. Rossi: This ranking is hugely significant. It reflects underlying challenges such as high unemployment rates and limited job security. Even though there have been some efforts to address economic recovery post-pandemic, many citizens still feel the repercussions of a precarious labor market. The lack of robust social safety nets exacerbates the situation, leaving many without the support they need.
Editor: It sounds like the government’s claims about distributing economic benefits across society may not be as effective as they suggest. What do you think needs to change to alter this trajectory?
Dr. Rossi: The findings indicate a need for more comprehensive policies focused on wage growth and social investment. It’s vital for the government to prioritize inclusive economic strategies that empower workers and enhance job security. Without these changes, the disparities in wages and social well-being will persist, and the government’s portrayal of its successes will increasingly appear disconnected from reality.
Editor: That’s quite sobering but necessary insight. What can citizens and communities do in response to these findings?
Dr. Rossi: Awareness is the first step. Citizens need to engage more critically with both government policies and their effects on daily life. Additionally, community organizations can advocate for better labor rights, increased social support, and policies that prioritize equitable growth. Only through collective action can there be pressure for meaningful change.
Editor: Thank you for your valuable insights, Dr. Rossi. This discussion certainly sheds light on the complex realities that many are facing. It seems clear that the road ahead requires significant adjustments for Greece to truly enhance social well-being.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me and for shedding light on these critical issues. It’s essential we keep these conversations alive to drive the change needed for a better future.
Editor: Until next time, and thank you for your dedication to improving social conditions worldwide!
