Programme
No imminent decision on pension cuts as Athens moves ahead with minimum wage increase
The latest indications received by the Greek government from its lenders suggest that a final decision on whether next year’s pension cuts will have to be implemented will not be taken before the Eurogroup meeting on December 3.
Lenders' visit concludes with no firm answer on pension cuts
The first post-programme inspection by the institutions is due to be wrapped up on Friday with no final decision on whether the pension cuts due to be implemented next year will be called off, but with the Greek government confident that it will be granted this concession by its lenders.
Mixed picture for government after first day of talks with creditors
A mixed picture emerged following the first day of talks between Greek government officials and the institutions’ mission chiefs in Athens as part of the post-programme visit by the lenders, which began on Monday.
Lenders appear at ease with Tsipras pledges, cautious on pension cuts
The institutions have begun poring over Greece’s budget execution data as part of the first post-programme inspection, which will also include a close look at the pledges made by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at the Thessaloniki Expo (DETH).
Fiscal matters expected to dominate talks as lenders return for post-MoU check
The institutions are due to carry out their first post-programme inspection in Greece this week, with next year’s pension cuts topping the agenda for their brief visit to Athens.
No final word on pension cuts as lenders prepare for return to Athens next week
Ahead of the institutions returning to Athens next week for their first post-programme visit, the Greek government has been given some encouragement in its bid to avoid the pension cuts that are due to be implemented next year.
Athens eyes cancellation of pension cuts as Tsipras prepares Thessaloniki package
The Greek government has given its clearest indication yet that it does not intend to implement the 1 percent of GDP in pension cuts due next year.
Focus turns to first post-MoU visit by creditors and talks on pension cuts
Greece’s post-programme era, which officially began on Tuesday, is to start in earnest on September 10, when the institutions are due to return to Athens for the first round of discussions with the government.
Athens taking more time to consider 2019 measures ahead of budget talks
Apart from its effect on the government’s cohesion and political outlook, the recent wildfire on the outskirts of Athens is also having an impact on the preparations for next year’s budget.
ESM releases final tranche of third bailout, boosting cash buffer ahead of exit
The European Stability Mechanism confirmed on Monday that it has made the fifth and final disbursement of the third programme, marking the penultimate step in the MoU era for Greece.