The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker argued that Europe has taken a lot more than it has given back to Greece, arguing that debt relief for Greece is necessary.
When asked by French newspaper Le Monde whether there should be an agreement for debt relief over the next decades, rather that simply settling the debt until 2018, the European Commission chief responded that it would have no use, given that Greece does not have to pay anything for the next few years.
Nevertheless, Mr. Juncker noted that this would be recognition of the progress that has been achieved and argued that the provision of debt relief is a matter dignity and respecting the Greek people.
Given the recent upheaval and violent clashes between protesters and the police in France over labor reforms, Mr. Juncker added that he cannot imagine the reactions in Paris and Marseille if the French government had to implement similar reforms to those imposed on Greece.
