Photo: kathimerini.gr
Germany will continue to support Greece in its next steps, assured German Chancellor Angela Merkel after her meeting with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras in Berlin.
"The first successful actions of Greece are already apparent. Very soon we will see real positive growth," she said during a joint press conference, adding that Germany's support will be particularly aimed at providing funding for small- and medium-sized enterprises.
In response to a question on the probability of early elections in Greece, Angela Merkel expressed full support for Antonis Samaras, by saying, "The Prime Minister governs the country with great determination and close cooperation with its partners, step by step to a future that will be better than the past. There are only successful actions, we did not talk about anything else today."
Antonis Samaras in turn stressed that his country does not need a third bailout. He stressed that Greece needs "to take a breath" in order to intensify the reforms and achieve the budgetary targets. In his words his country can stand on its own two feet "without another bailout or another forced loan, after which he paid particular attention to the need for the reduction of taxation.
"Greece will not return to the time of budget deficits," said the Greek Prime Minister, adding that Athens will soon present a plan for the continuation of the reforms that it will apply after the end of the financial bailout.
He said that his government expects the final decision regarding the sustainability of the Greek sovereign debt, adding that the expected economic growth in 2015 will be 2.9%. "The debt will be sustainable. This will be possible due to the reforms, to its possible rescheduling or to some settlements that we are being provided or that will be provided to us. It is still early to say anything about this," said Samaras.
In response to a question about the publications according to which Athens is considering a "velvet divorce" with the International Monetary Fund, Samaras rejected the term, stating, "Our cooperation with the International Monetary Fund has never been easy but it has changed our economy. I think it will be completed ahead of schedule. If that happens it will be a success not a divorce."