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Warren Mosler’s Big Fat Greek MMT Exit Strategy

Author: L. Randall Wray  ·   ·   › Share This Print

It is beginning to look like a Greek exit is ever more likely, which means that the end of the EMU could be near.

Even if exits and a break-up are not inevitable, countries should have a plan on the shelf. It is clear that Germany is going to insist on the maximum austerity it can squeeze from nations facing a run on their debt. Hence, if nothing else, an exit strategy is required for negotiations. The best strategy would be for all the so-called PIIGS to band together with a believable threat to exit together. That could finally break the logjam.

I’m not optimistic about that. In any event, it is time to examine proposals for dissolution. Warren Mosler has formulated what looks like a nice, clean exit strategy that EMU members can adopt. I am reprinting here with his permission.

Enjoy!

Warren Mosler:

1.  The Greek government would announce that it will begin taxing exclusively in the new currency.

2.  The Greek government would announce that it will make all payments in the new currency.

That’s it, deed done! The government can now provision itself and continue to function on a sustainable basis.

Now some Q and A:

Q.  How will the new currency exchange for euro?

A.  The new currency will be freely floating, with exchange between willing buyers and sellers at market prices.

Q.  What about the existing euro-denominated government debt?

A.  Announce that government will consider it on a ‘when and if’ basis with no specific payment plans.

Q.  What about existing government contracts for goods and services?

A.  They will be redenominated in the new currency.

Q.  What about euro bank deposits and euro bank loans?

A.  They remain in place.

Q.  What about foreign trade?

A.  Market forces will function to adjust the trade balance to reflect foreign desires to accumulate financial assets denominated in the new currency.

To maintain full employment and internal price stability, I would further recommend the following:

1.  The government would fund a minimum wage job for anyone willing and able to work.

2.  For any given size government, taxes should be adjusted to ensure the labor force that works for that minimum wage be kept to a minimum.

3.  I would recommend the govt. levy only  a tax on real estate for the following reasons:

a.  Compliance is maximized and compliance costs and related issues are minimized- if the tax isn’t paid the property can be simply sold at auction.

b.  Everyone contributes as either an owner of the property or as a renter as the owner’s costs are ultimately passed through to renters.

c.  Transactions taxes are eliminated, thereby removing those restrictions on transactions.  Freedom to transact is the source of substantial contribution to real wealth.

4.  A zero overnight interest rate policy where government deficit spending remains as non interest bearing balances held by counter parties at the Bank of Greece, and no government
securities are permitted.

5.  All bank deposits in the new currency will be fully insured by the government.

6.  Banks will be government regulated and supervised, which will include a 15% capital requirement, government guaranteed liquidity, and a prohibition from any secondary market activity.

Filed under: Uncategorized

47 Responses to “Warren Mosler’s Big Fat Greek MMT Exit Strategy”

michaelharrington • November 17th, 2011 at 9:06 pm

The four most likelihood scenarios from this simple policy change:
1. Greeks don't pay taxes, they sure wouldn't after this.
2. Greek govt payments are worthless, unless immediately put back as phony tax payments.
3. The entire Greek economy goes underground with dollars and euros.
4. Political and social chaos.

Bottom line: Can't see it ever happening.

roger_erickson • November 18th, 2011 at 1:50 pm

Your alternative? Present course doesn't look any different, except in one, little item. Acropolis becomes a vacation cabin owned by Angela Merkel. Or maybe a Mercedes dealership.

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