Some of this determination to go it alone reflects the self-reliant and wayward spirit of Greece’s islands. As he puts it, he has cousins who raise tomatoes and a friend with a dairy farm; if need be, his family can make it on their own.
Michalis, the owner of a modestly flourishing Athenian business, has different complaints. A pro-European “yes” voter, he sells health products to companies and restaurants; clients include a large bank and big fast-food chains. Having started up in 2012, he was beginning to break even at the start of this year.