Reasons to be cheerful

End-of-the-year reports indicate that the Greek economy is moving in the right direction. Poll figures, representing the view of the man on the street, reports from institutions such as the European Central Bank, representing the views of the experts, and lower rates for Greek government bonds, representing the views of the market, agree: Greece is changing course.

There are many variables which will determine whether the optimism is justified; a change in the global economy, Greek government miscalculations, unpredictable actions by Turkey - any of these could influence future progress. But the most important element for future economic prosperity is, in my view, the attitude and willingness of the Greek people to turn over a new leaf.

In this, my first column of 2020, I am cautiously optimistic; my optimism is not based on wishful thinking but on personal...