When it gets serious, you have to lie.
The statement "When it becomes serious, you have to lie" is attributed to Jean-Claude Juncker, the former President of the European Commission, who made the remark during a 2011 conference on the eurozone crisis. He argued that monetary policy discussions within the Eurogroup needed to remain confidential to prevent financial markets from reacting negatively to leaks, which could potentially put millions at risk. This quote has often been cited out of context, but scholars note that the practice of keeping policy negotiations secret is common among monetary policy committees to maintain stability. Juncker's comment reflects a pragmatic view on governance, suggesting that transparency can sometimes undermine effective decision-making in high-stakes situations. The statement has been widely discussed in political and economic circles, particularly in debates about the balance between democratic accountability and the need for decisive action in crises.