During his visit, Mr. Putin reiterated the significance of sovereignty, citing Greece’s decision to seek a bailout in 2015 and its bondage to the European Union. Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that Greece return to its own currency, the Drachma, to overcome its current economic crisis.
The remarks came while he attended an event organized by the Valdai Discussion Club, a Moscow-based think tank and discussion forum established in 2004. The event was held in Sochi on Saturday.
According to the Greek Reporter, Putin was asked what the European nation should do to escape the current economic crisis. While responding to the question, Putin emphasized the importance of sovereignty as he called out Greece’s decision for a bailout in 2015 and its binding to the European Union.
“Many economies today, due to various reasons or by the force of their commitments within economic or military-political alliances, have given up part of their sovereignty of their own free will,” the President of Russia pointed out.
“Because of that, they cannot make independent decisions in spheres such as economy or even security. I do not appeal to anyone; I just answer your question,” he explained.
In his more detailed answer to the question, the Russian leader made it clear that Greece should return to its national currency, describing this as a “reasonable choice.
At some point, having the drachma, a national currency, [could be] a reasonable choice because it would allow some regulation of social processes, even if through inflation, and help ease social tensions rather than placing the entire burden of economic challenges on the population,” he said.
