Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has provided detailed insights into the 2015 Greek debt crisis during recent interviews and discussions. Merkel revealed that Wolfgang Schäuble, then German Finance Minister, advocated for Greece's exit from the eurozone (Grexit), a position she opposed and actively resisted through frequent communication. She described the period as dramatic and necessary, highlighting the need for a debt haircut for Greece, a stance not shared by key figures like Jean-Claude Trichet and Nicolas Sarkozy. Merkel recounted her surprise at Alexis Tsipras' 2015 referendum call, which she described as the most unexpected moment in her career, and detailed tense negotiations with Greek leaders including Tsipras, George Papandreou, and Antonis Samaras. She expressed personal emotional responses to the crisis, including moments of distress and frustration, and addressed misconceptions about Greek citizens, rejecting stereotypes of laziness and corruption. Merkel also stated she would not apologize for her handling of the crisis. In response, former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou criticized Merkel for underestimating the crisis and argued that Greece was made a scapegoat, emphasizing that the International Monetary Fund's involvement was a German decision. Additionally, Merkel mentioned being misled by Vladimir Putin during this period. The discussions took place in various forums, including a conversation with journalist Alexis Papachelas and appearances at events such as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Wolfgang Schäuble later commented on how Merkel changed her stance on Grexit. Merkel reflected on Greece's progress since the crisis, noting that the country has matured and moved forward.