The much-debated return of the institutions to Athens, in order to continue negotiations over the Greek bailout review, is going to be determined on “Super Monday”, the 7th of March, when a Eurogroup and EU summit are scheduled to take place.
According to well-informed sources, To Vima has been told that after German pressure towards the IMF, other Europeans and Athens, the budget gap has been determined to be 2%.
Furthermore, should Greek authorities implement the long list of reforms included in the third bailout agreement the gap could be reduced to 1% of the GDP. This is in contrast to the 4% to 5% GDP (namely 9 billion euros) estimate of the IMF’s Poul Thomsen.
Diplomatic sources have attributed this development to the upcoming referendum in the UK and possibility of a ‘Brexit’, which in conjunction with the refugee crisis, Germany feels may bring upon a collapse of the EU and Eurozone.
Additionally, the same sources appear skeptical as to whether Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has the will and ability to implement the outstanding reform, given the explosive situation caused by the refugee crisis.
