The Prime Minister Antonis Samaras was in Lisbon on Tuesday where he delivered a speech on employment and growth at an EPP event and had the opportunity to discuss the latest financial developments.
During the lunch that was held at the event, Mr. Samaras sat at the same table with the European Commission president Jose Barroso, EPP Joseph Daul and the German Minister of Finances Wolfgang Schäuble.
Mr. Samaras and Mr. Schäuble had a brief discussion about the financial progress that is taking place in Greece, with the German minister asserting that any negotiations for debt relief will take after September. Mr. Schäuble pointed out a number of factors that will affect the negotiations, such as the upcoming visit of the troika to Athens.
Government sources have suggested that should the government focus on implemented its basic commitments, it will not be under immense pressure and will have the leeway to correct some of the “social injustices”.
Additionally, it was reported that Mr. Samaras did not express any concern about the recent IMF report and was pleased about the reduction of Greek bond interest rates.
Regarding the election of the next European Commission president, Mr. Samaras reiterated his administration’s support of EPP candidate Jean-Claude Juncker, despite the objections raised by the United Kingdom.
