4 in 10 Greeks say they are not at all satisfied with their lives, their financial situation, their job and their living conditions, according to a report published by Ta Nea newspaper citing Elstat, Greece’s statistical authority. The figure rises to 6 out of 10 for Greeks living on or close to the poverty line.
“It took just 10 years – and lots of socioeconomic changes to transform Greeks from Europe’s happiest people to its unhappiest, “ Ta Nea said (link in Greek) in its report.
According to the paper, which compiled research conducted by Elstat and the Eurobarometer, one in two Greeks believe the country’s financial situation will deteriorate further over the next twelve months and more than 70% think their quality of life is not good while a staggering 82% feel they are under pressure. 63% believe the country’s biggest problem is unemployment.
The figures echo data of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) index, which ranks Greece very low in its life satisfaction index, below its 36 member average.
“In general, Greeks are less satisfied with their lives than the OECD average, with 52% of people saying they have more positive experiences in an average day (feelings of rest, pride in accomplishment, enjoyment, etc.) than negative ones (pain, worry, sadness, boredom, etc.). This figure is lower than the OECD average of 76%”, the OECD said.
Ta Nea links the plummeting happiness index of Greeks to the ‘acute rise in poverty’.
The research director at the National Centre for Social Research ( NCSR ), Dionysis Balourdos, told the paper that an increasing number of Greeks are entering the poverty zone creating a class of the new poor. In an interview (link in Greek), he said that ‘more non-poor people will come close to the poverty line while traditionally middle (class) layers will cross the threshold of poverty.”
“When someone is forced to undertake any job, it could have serious repercussions on his/her skills and subsequently the ability to remain in the labour market,” he said.
The paper said that the loss of jobs, financial uncertainty and the inability to pay bills and other obligations will have psychological consequences with an increase in stress levels and panic attacks.
“According to research conducted, the rate of depression in Greece has increased by 50% in the period between 2011-2013,” Balourdos said, adding that people at most risk are those aged between 35-44, those with a monthly income beneath €400 and the unemployed.