Politics
SYRIZA holds fire as Eurogroup expectations continue to be lowered
A meeting of SYRIZA’s political secretariat on Tuesday resulted in the party reaffirming the government’s insistence that it will not implement the fiscal measures lined up for 2019 and 2020 if the International Monetary Fund does not join the Greek programme with funding.
Athens encouraged by terms for new round of Cyprus talks
Nicosia and Athens appear satisfied with the outcome of Sunday's meeting at the United Nations Headquarters, in New York, where a decision was taken to attempt another round of reunification talks.
Tsipras tackles two fronts as debt talks continue
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will have his eye on two fronts this week: The ongoing discussions with Greece’s lenders over a possible agreement at next week’s Eurogroup and the process of ensuring that his party remains fully behind him while the talks continue.
Athens unsettled by speculation about proposal at June 15 Eurogroup
The week ends with little clarity on what kind of agreement will be possible at the June 15 Eurogroup and with the Greek government’s position yet to crystallise.
Tsipras readjusts expectations for crucial Eurogroup
The Greek government’s expectations ahead of the June 15 Eurogroup remain the subject of much speculation following the latest comments by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
Lenders provide words of support and warning regarding debt talks
Representatives of the Greek government and its lenders continued on Wednesday to publicly exchange views about the country’s programme and the prospects of concluding the review in the coming days but failed to provide any clarity about whether there will be an agreement at the June 15 Eurogroup or what kind of compromise could emerge.
Athens eyes deal on bailout tranche within June, hopes for QE breakthrough
The Greek government was quick to reject on Tuesday any notion that it intends to avoid meeting its debt repayments in July if it does not get the debt deal it wants with its lenders in the coming weeks.
Tsipras in tight spot over debt deal but QE access may hold key to compromise
The Greek government seems intent on trying to forge a better deal with its lenders than the one proposed at the May 22 Eurogroup, with access to the European Central Bank’s QE scheme perhaps holding the key to an agreement at the next gathering of eurozone finance ministers on June 15.
Athens seeks clarification from UN envoy as Cyprus talks head for dead-end
Questions have been raised about whether the Cyprus talks have any future following a surprise move by the UN special advisor Espen Barth Eide last Friday.
IMF hints at flexibility as debt relief talks continue
The terrorist attack on former Prime Minister Lucas Papademos in Athens on Thursday drew attention away from Monday’s Eurogroup, but discussions continue in the background.