The leader of the opposition Alexis Tsipras met with the chief of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi in Frankfurt on Tuesday evening in order to discuss the latest developments and prospects of the Greek economy.
Mr. Draghi is reported to have praised the latest efforts in Greece and stressed the need to intensify the efforts in combating tax evasion and reducing the public sector so that it becomes more efficient. Mr. Tsipras on the other hand argued that the Greek debt must be reduced and pointed out that the humanitarian crisis in Greece is a result of the troika’s policies.
The SYRIZA leader commented that the meeting was a good opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives regarding the efforts to overcome the crisis, so that Europe can follow a different direction and the Greek people can stand on their two legs, “unlike what has been happening for the past four years due to the troika and bailouts”.
The ECB chief noted that he frequently meets with leaders of the opposition, particularly from countries receiving assistance, in order to be informed first-hand of their intentions and plans. Former PM Giorgos Papandreou and current PM Antonis Samaras had similar meetings in 2009 and 2012 respectively, when they were in the opposition.
