ATHENS — Opposition MeRA25 leader Yanis Varoufakis made gloomy predictions about the future course of the Greek economy, not only during the pandemic but even afterwards, in an interview with Athens-Macedonian News Agency released on Thursday.

Varoufakis sternly attacked the government over the way it has handled the pandemic and its economic policy. He forecast the further derailment of national debt due to a state deficit he expects to exceed 10 pct of GDP, saying this will lead to a fifth bailout and memorandum "with mathematical certainty" and wipe out any prospect of stability after the end of the pandemic.

Asked about Greek-Turkish relations, Varoufakis re-introduced his proposal for a multilateral meeting with the participation of all the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean that are involved. He also categorically opposed the acquisition of new armaments, adding that he supports a diplomatic solution.

In terms his party's prospects, he expressed strong optimism based on the big increase of the party membership and the good atmosphere during his tours in Greece.