Merkel to Samaras: Continue the reforms

During her meeting with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras in Vienna, at the summit of the European People's Party (EPP), German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave her blessing for the reforms and the positive path followed by the Greek economy to continue.

A few hours before the crucial meeting of the three government partners, Antonis Samaras said that Greece is going through a difficult period, requires fiscal stability, reforms and also strong, broad social and political consensus. He pointed out that the country has come a long way, making progress day by day.

The EPP meeting, called by Vice Chancellor of Austria Michael Spindelegger, included Heads of State, opposition leaders of European countries and the presidents of the European Council Herman van Rompuy and European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.

In his meeting with Samaras, Spindelegger expressed Austria’s willingness to help Greece through Austrian entrepreneurs and exchanged views on matters of foreign policy, such as the developments in Turkey, Macedonia, the Aegean and the course of the Greek economy.

The Greek Prime Minister also had a private meeting with Irish Prime Minister and President of the European Union Enda Kenny.

Among other things, they discussed the meeting of the local government committee which is to be held in Greece early March 2014, the meeting of the European People's Party before the elections in May 2014 and the discussion of the election program before the announcement of its candidates.

 
SYRIZA’s comment on Samaras’ statements

SYRIZA commented on the statements of Samaras by saying: "It is a provocation for the majority of society, that the Greek Prime Minister of the black TV screens shows the country’s failure story as progress to his conservative friends in Europe. Unfortunately, Greece takes backwards steps everyday with a Prime Minister who continues to break the law."