Boom Bust Season 1 Episode 91 Roger Bootle: The Euro Should Go in the Bin!

Roger Bootle, founder and chairman of Capital Economics, joins the Boom Bust team to discuss his contention that the Euro should be discarded, or as he puts it, "go in the bin!" Bootle argues that the Euro, far from being beneficial, has caused significant harm to the economies of the Eurozone. He points out that the one-size-fits-all approach of the Euro has caused economic stagnation and slowdowns, leading to high levels of unemployment, particularly in countries like Greece and Spain.

Bootle further argues that the creation of the Euro was primarily a political move, rather than an economic one, aimed at promoting greater European unity. However, he argues that this unity has come at a great cost to individual countries' economies and that the Euro has made it increasingly difficult for countries to set monetary policies that cater to their specific needs.

Despite the challenges faced by the Eurozone, Bootle suggests that there is still hope for the region. Instead of abandoning the Euro altogether, he proposes a two-tiered system in which a number of countries, particularly those in southern Europe, are allowed to opt-out of the Eurozone. This, he argues, would allow these countries to create a more tailored monetary policy that better reflects their specific needs and economic realities.

Throughout the episode, Bootle defends his views with a detailed analysis of the European economy and the Eurozone's history. He argues that the Euro has failed to live up to its promises and that it would be in everyone's best interests to admit this and make a change. While some may view his proposals as controversial, Bootle firmly believes that a new approach is needed if Europe wants to avoid further economic stagnation and decline.

Overall, this episode of Boom Bust offers a compelling and thought-provoking perspective on the challenges facing the Eurozone and the need for economic reform. Based on his extensive experience and expertise, Bootle makes a strong case for why the Euro is not working and what needs to be done to rectify the situation. Whether you agree with his views or not, this episode is sure to leave you with plenty to think about as you consider the future of the European economy.