[jmedwards]

I think it is unfair and lazy to characterise a people that way.

There is, however, deep structural or cultural issues that causes Greece to have such a massive tax gap: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2013/cr13155.pdf.

People may well be working hard, but a significant enough number of people are not contributing enough to the state, yet are demanding (by voting) ever more from it, and leaders seemed to have always been relaxed about it (I can't find the source again, but I remember reading that there is even a significant tax cap in the civil service itself).

[jkot]

What is unfair about it? Greek public sector has the same size as France. Pension system is even more generous than Italy. Retirement at 50 with full salary is not uncommon.

No, instead of cutting that, they should squeeze even more money on taxes. Even EC is criticizing Greek government for collecting too much money on income tax and VAT.

Just for illustration VAT tax on heating oil is 60%, most houses I know just do not order it. Last winter had a few weeks bellow freezing.

[jmedwards]

I was agreeing with you; I took your response to be one to a sentiment in this thread that 'Greek people are lazy'