Atlas Network Podcast host Michael Carnuccio interviews Nicos Rompapas, president of KEFiM (Center of Liberal Studies), about Greece’s post-2009 crisis recovery and why economic freedom still lags despite strong EU-leading growth, rising investment, and lower tax rates. Rompapas says Greece lost over a third of GDP, remains below 2009 output, and is far behind EU-wide gains, meaning catch-up could take a lifetime. He cites major barriers including an oversized government and high debt, and argues taxation is the key battleground, noting tax revenue remains steady even as rates fall and that Greeks still work about half the year just to cover taxes and pension contributions. Rompapas recounts KEFiM’s evolution from a volunteer group to an influential, politically independent think tank supported by Atlas Network, highlighting breakthroughs via events, Tax Freedom Day, media impact, policy briefs, and engagement with top officials; he also discusses upcoming reform priorities, network learning, and a vision for a freer, more competitive Greece.

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Show Notes / Timestamps

00:00 Hope After Crisis

00:47 Greece’s Recovery Paradox

03:39 Why Catching Up Takes Decades

05:49 Economic Freedom Barriers

09:15 Taxes Size of Government

11:46 KEFiM’s Origin Story

15:48 Breakthrough Media Moments

21:18 Why Focus on Tax Policy

23:03 Reforms and Misconceptions

26:58 Staying Politically Independent

30:13 Learning Through Atlas Network

34:57 Ambition Vision and Culture

46:36 Free Market Model

50:27 Athens, Food, and Friendship

52:51 Closing Call to Action