The auction of primary residences remains a thorny subject in the negotiations between the Greek government and its creditors, with the Greek side aiming for a political solution in order to carry on with the program.
Germany, however, objects to such a prospect, stressing that Athens must accept the solution proposed by the institutions. A German government source noted that homes must be auctioned if owners cannot meet their loan obligations otherwise the burden will passes on to the banks and taxpayers.
Similarly, the head of the German Finance Ministry’s press office Friederike von Tiesenhausen commented after Monday’s Eurogroup that the 2-billion-euro tranche has not yet been paid out because Athens has yet to implement everything that has been agreed, especially on home auctions. Mrs. von Tiesenhausen added that Wolfgang Schäuble will not greenlight the payment unless the aforementioned implementation takes place.
During the same press conference the German Government spokesperson Steffen Seibert commented on a Der Spiegel report, according to which the BND – Germany’s federal intelligence agency – spied on embassies of allies in Berlin, including those of the USA, France, Poland, the Vatican and Greece.
Mr. Seibert noted that the BND is not authorized to carry out such operations and that the relevant authorities will investigate whether there is anything reprehensible. The spokesperson however avoided denying or confirming the newspaper report, arguing that a special parliamentary committee – which in turn has an obligation to maintain secrecy – deals with these matters.
