20.2.13
French President Francois Hollande’s visit to Greece was more than a moral boost for the PM and his cabinet, it also reinvigorated French-Greek business relations. An agreement was signed between the Greek and French federations of enterprise (SEV and MEDEF), in order to establish a Greek-French business council.
The French President confirmed the French state’s intention to invest in Greece, while refuting rumors that his visit was related to defense programs. Mr. Hollande stated that he “came to Athens to urge French businesses to invest in Greece. I did not come to see [military] equipment, I heard that too, I came to show solidarity”.
Mr. Hollande specifically referred to investing in natural gas and six other administrative sectors. The French president referred to the issue of declaring an exclusive economic zone, for which he believed “international and maritime law will prevail”. Mr. Hollande’s support has given the PM a powerful ally two weeks before visiting Turkey in order to discuss setting EEZ boundaries.
Mr. Samaras explained that energy reserves in Greek seas are also European energy reserves, in an attempt to garner more European allies against Turkish demands. The Greek PM stressed that “if Greece, and therefore Europe, gain its own hydrocarbons it will wean itself from uncertainties”.
The Prime Minister presented opportunities in energy, construction, water management, health, tourism (for which a relevant accord was signed) and defense. The two countries will also cooperate for the new tax system, national register, restructuring of public sector and technical know-how.
Mr. Hollande also spoke with his Greek counterpart, President K. Papoulias. Mr. Papoulias dramatically told the French president that “should austerity continue we will have a social explosion”. Mr. Hollande replied that his visit to Greece is a message that the Eurozone crisis was over and that all countries will be supported.
The French President also had the opportunity to meet PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos and DIMAR leader Fotis Kouvelis. The three discussed issues regarding unemployment, social cohesion and the greater social issues in Greece. Mr. Hollande expressed his worries over the recent rise of far-right-wing and neo-Nazi parties across Europe.
