Trying to stay away from politics -

Most Greeks retire in their 50s, with government pensions. They contributed to them while they were working. Not a lot of money, but some went into the pension funds. A higher percentage went into taxes to pay all the people working for the Greek Uncle. However, when you figure that the average person lives into their 70s - who picks up the load for the 20 years of retirement? Retirement there is full health/dental and a monthly check.

The average worker has about a month off a year, paid, as does the rest of Europe. They had jobs for life, more or less. Their salaries were inflated and the government supported lower prices on food and other necessities. Hmm, bread and circuses, where have I heard that before.

It's more or less a Ponzi scheme. Now they are having to actually work and pay taxes to support their way of life. The government which was vastly overinflated with workers is cutting back, and the people who are being let go are screaming. They have to find actual jobs.

They will survive, but I betcha they will not like the post-insolvency hardline government at all. And in a few year, they will be right back where they were, having voted in those who promise the status quo ante.