Grexit back on the agenda again as Greek economy unravels

After three emergency bailouts and the biggest debt restructuring in history, the writer says that in March 2016 talk has again turned to Greece dropping out of the currency union.

[The Eurogroup were due to exchange views on the ongoing implementation of Greece's economic adjustment programme at a meeting on the 7 March 2016, focusing on the reforms required for the successful completion of the first review.

Actions related to the first review include reforming the pension system, fiscal strategy, making the privatisation fund operational and addressing the issue of non-performing loans, among other issues].

On 31 March, the head of the European Parliament's economic and monetary affairs committee revealed the first assessment would soon be complement, as the Greek government showed its determination to implement the programme.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Tsipras chides EU, IMF for reform assessment delay http://www.europeansources.info/record/tsipras-chides-eu-imf-for-reform-assessment-delay/

Kathimerini, 06.03.16: Germany rejects calls to give Greece more time for budget goals http://www.ekathimerini.com/206681/article/ekathimerini/news/germany-rejects-calls-to-give-greece-more-time-for-budget-goals

Kathimerini, 06.03.16: The contradiction in the IMF demands http://www.ekathimerini.com/206686/article/ekathimerini/business/the-contradiction-in-the-imf-demands

ESO: Background information: Eurogroup meeting, 7 March 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/eurogroup-meeting-7-march-2016/

Kathimerini, 23.03.16: Schaeuble says must find option if Greece can't cut pensions http://www.ekathimerini.com/207267/article/ekathimerini/business/schaeuble-says-must-find-option-if-greece-cant-cut-pensions

The Economist, 18.02.16: The Economist explains. Why Greeks are protesting over pension reforms again http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2016/02/economist-explains-12

Reuters, 21.03.16: Euro zone lenders, Greece make progress on tax, pension reforms http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-eurozone-greece-progress-idUKKCN0WM0QM

EurActiv, 31.03.16: European Parliament optimistic on Greek bailout programme http://www.euractiv.com/section/euro-finance/news/european-parliament-optimistic-on-greek-bailout-programme/

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