Alexis Patelis, a former top economic aide to the prime minister, has chronicled Greece's journey from financial crisis to investment-grade status in a new book, "The Great Return," has launched at a high-profile event attended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The book is a firsthand account of the country's path to regaining international credibility, detailing behind-the-scenes negotiations in financial capitals from 2019 to 2024, when Mr. Patelis headed the prime minister's economic office.
The launch drew over 300 guests, including ministers, MPs, and top business leaders.
Speaking at the event, Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras praised the book as a "testimony of strategy" and a vital source for studying modern Greek economic history.
He said Greece's return was primarily to "normality—where decisions are evidence-based, institutions function effectively, and policy has direction.
Ultimately, this is the essence of economic policy: trust built, not declared."
Mariarlena Athanasopoulou, a senior official at the European Stability Mechanism, highlighted three key factors in the recovery: political stability, a commitment to fiscal discipline, and the presence of credible representatives who reassured international partners.
Author Rea Vitali commended Mr. Patelis's candid and cinematic writing style, noting his humility in attributing any mistakes to himself.
"It’s a great thing to be at peace—not because you were flawless, but because you did your best,” she said.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Patelis said the "great return" belongs to Greece itself.
He recalled an emotional encounter with an elderly Greek-Canadian woman who told him, "Thank you for making me proud to be Greek again, for no longer feeling the shame I carried last decade."
Real patriotism, Mr. Patelis concluded, "is helping your country become stronger through action."