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The Greek government is trying to find a solution to the financial impasse before its coffers finally dry up. The headquarters of the ruling party are observing absolute silence with regard to the negotiations, which are entering their critical phase. The only refrain that is heard is achieving an interim agreement.

The backstage consultations over the past 24 hours are ongoing. Despite everybody's claim that there has been "some progress", this seems insufficient, and the positions of Greece and the creditors are still far apart. The key issue is the lack of confidence.

The discussions in the Brussels Group are speeding up

The technical discussions in the so-called Brussels Group began again today with the aim of reaching an agreement by Wednesday. If this happens, an extraordinary Εurogroup meeting might be called next Thursday, despite the partners’ objections. This in turn might lead to a partial tranche under the Greek programme.

"We want the necessary steps to be taken. We are trying to summon up the political will for a solution. We are improving our proposals," said a government source for iefimerida.gr and added that the allegations according to which the government is not offering anything are not true.

The creditors: work, progress and then decisions

In turn, Jeroen Dijsselbloem hinted that progress will be assessed at the next Eurogroup meeting on 11 May. Ruling out the possibility of an extraordinary meeting, he said that the Greek side had to take the decisions necessary for the successful completion of negotiations with representatives of the creditors.

"We are still far away", stressed the French commissioner, Pierre Moscovici. He noted that "the Greek reform efforts will have to be more active."

At the same time, the government's position is that "pressures against the country will intensify as we come closer to signing the agreement.

"Money comes along with reforms"

"We will do everything we can for Greece to stay in the eurozone," said the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. She argued that Athens would benefit from an agreement coming sooner rather than later. She also emphasised that the country needs to implement reforms, among which privatization is indispensable.

Meanwhile, a cartoon has gained popularity on the web. It reflects the thoughts of Yannis Varoufakis after the Riga Eurogroup meeting.

One of the characters is holding a placard saying, "Increase the minimum wage." The other one, perched on a heap of money, replies: "Your greed is hurting the economy."

A Twitter user sent the cartoon to both Varoufakis and Dijsselbloem. The former also published it.