According to commentators, the reason for removing Eli Stai is that she is "awkward" for the new management. She herself was appointed after the 2009 elections by the new leadership at the time.

Angela Merkel's visit to Athens is a very positive development, the Greek Prime Minister stated.

Shortly after the opening of the Athens Stock Exchange, the shares of both banks have been withdrawn from trading. A Greek financial analyst told GRReporter that this is a standard procedure in the presence of information on the merger of such large institutions.

The German Chancellor is expected in Athens on Tuesday, 9 October. Her visit is a sure sign that Greece will not be on the agenda of the Eurogroup meeting on Monday.