Two kinds of motivations are possible. The first, more obvious one is to put the brakes on rising wages — and restore firms’ profit margins — by increasing unemployment. Before the turn to austerity, some economists had already proposed this route under the pretext of reducing inflation.

Ooooh, great idea! Policies like this never lead to revolutions and dictatorships. No siree. This'll be a win-win. High five, free marketeers!