Week 31/3-6/4/17: Finally white smoke for Greece

Another crucial EWG is taking place in Valletta, with the closing of the second programme evaluation still uncertain, although according to J.Dijsselbloem things are more positive.

On the other hand, the German Minister of Finance, V.Schauble has declared that the IMF will remain in the Greek financial programme and that Greece will be able to go to the financial markets without the need of additional help.

Week 27/3-31/3 in pictures

The negotiation game between the greek government and the Institutions continue, however the signs show that an agreement regarding the closing of the second programme eveluation will be reached by the first week of April.

The Trade Union of PPC (GENOP/DEI) has appealed to the European Court against the sale of a number of PPC plants, claiming that the PPC assets include assets from social security contributions of the PPC workers.

Week 16-23/3/2017 in pictures

The claims of Jeroen Dijsselbloem that the South has spent all the money in “drinks and women” has caused massive reactions that could even lead to his resignation.

The uncertainty for the closing of the second programme evaluation continues after another lost EWG. It remains to be seen whether and when the Institutions are returning to Athens.

Week 11-17/3/17 in pictures

The payments for the new social security contributions for the freelancers are on hold since due to the system change many data seem to have been lost.

The uncertainty has also led to massive deposit outflows increasing the dependence of the greek banks on the ELA.

Week 4-10/3/17 in pictures

The institutions return to Athens in order to restart the negotiations for the closing of the second programme evaluation. It remains to be seen whether they can find some common ground with the Greek government.

The macroeconomic indices of Greece have further reduced according to both the Hellenic Statistical Authority, as well as the Eurostat, with Greece remaining the only Eurozone country with recession.

Week 13/2-17/2 in pictures

Unfortunately the second programme evaluation is not to be closed at the EWG of February the 20th. It remains to be seen what is going to happen in the future.

Pierre Moscovici has visited Athens in order to meet the Minister of Finance, E.Tsakalotos to discuss the issues of the reforms’ implementation and the closing of the 2nd programme evaluation.

Week 6/2-10/2 in pictures: The clock is ticking

The negotiations for the closing of the second programme evaluation remains the main topic of the news. On the one hand, IMF regards the national debt as “extremely non-sustainable” and demands for major changes, on the other hand the EZ governments refuse to participate to a “without-IMF” financial programme for Greece.

Week 30/1-5/2 in pictures

The closing of the second programme evaluation is still pending with the time limits to become tighter and with the danger of losing the opportunity to be included in the QE (Quantitative Easing).

In Moria, Lesbos the immigrants were victims of the bad weather, with at least 3 of them dying. After that it was finally decided to move them to places with better conditions.

Week 23-29/1/2017: A week of “wait and see”

The closing of the second evaluation of the programme still remains uncertain, since it was left to the greek government to start implementing the required reforms.

This discussion is taking place during a period where additional financial measures have been already implemented, mainly indirect taxes and additional social contributions.

The Supreme Council of Greece, Areopagus, decided not to extradite the 8 Turkish officers that were allegedly involved in the coup that took place in Turkey in July. It remains to be seen how the Turkish PM R.T. Erdogan is going to react.

Week 9-15/1/2017 in pictures

Hello and a happy and peaceful New Year for all!

2017 started with Greece “in white”, since there was a heavy wave of snow that covered even the center of Athens in white. The bad weather was even worse for vulnerable people, especially for the homeless and the refugees.

Apart from the weather, the negotiations for the closing of the second programme evaluation seem to have gone cold. Not only the discussions for the reforms are not over, but also the participation of the IMF is still undecided.

Τhe negotiations concerning the issue of Cyprus have restarted with everyone hoping for a happy end to a bad situation that has been going on for decades.