Poll: Coronavirus Repercussions on Economy Worry Greeks

Athens, Syntagma square. Photo: Visit Greece / H. Kakarouhas

The majority of Greeks expect the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic together with Turkey’s aggressive policies to negatively impact business activity in Greece, creating a climate of pessimism for the immediate future, according to a study released this week by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

Carried out on behalf of the ACCI by research firm Pulse-RC on March 15-17, the poll found a total of 83 percent claiming they are very concerned about the aftermath of Covid-19 and about their personal financial situation.

A total of 86 percent said Covid-19 and Turkish hostility would have negative effects on the Greek economy.

Nearly half (45 percent) of those surveyed said they were rather optimistic about the prospects of the Greek economy, with 54 percent expressing a negative view.

With regard to Greek government measures and the handling of the coronavirus health crisis (through to March 17), the majority said (73 percent) that it was in the right direction.

At the same time, 55 percent of respondents (against 41 percent) said they the announced measures were not enough, noting that additional support actions were necessary to address the serious impact of the Covid-19 impact on business activity.

“The negative mood as well as the real problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic have exacerbated the market climate dramatically,” said Konstantinos Michalos, ACCI president, adding that “mending the wounds will be extremely difficult”.