Juncker: Proceed with the reorganization and we will give you the next tranche

After his meeting with prime minister Antonis Samaras, Eurogroup head Jean-Claude Juncker expressed his confidence that the Greek government will do what is necessary, while he emphatically stood against the country's exit from the Eurozone and asked foreign dignitaries to stop the relevant statements.

The two politicians agreed on the need to implement the program of financial stability, advance structural reforms and accelerate privatizations.

The meeting was attended by Finance minister Yannis Stournaras and deputy minister Christos Staikouras. They discussed all the developments in our country and the eEurozone, the necessary steps to be taken to tackle the debt crisis, and the geostrategic conditions for stability, given the turbulent situation in Syria.

The PM said that he informed the Eurogroup president that "in the last two months we have changed a lot in the country and in the future we will change even more. We have expanded the agenda of privatizations and accelerated structural changes, and during the next few weeks we will close the package of 11.5 billion euros. Also, we spoke on efforts to tackle tax evasion, as well as on the safety of citizens and tackling illegal immigration."

Samaras stressed that it is particularly important for the three parties to support the policy. "Greece is turning over a new leaf politically, economically and socially. We will implement all objectives to get the country out of the crisis, but we ask to enter a development phase because due to continuous recession and massive unemployment, we cannot stabilize our economy. We emphasize liquidity and look for ways to stimulate the economy and strengthen the SMEs. The Greek people asked for the country’s stay in the European Union and that their sacrifices bear fruit."

The PM referred to those within and outside the country who gamble on its exit from the Eurozone and said "we will disappoint them with deeds, not words." He concluded his speech by saying that very soon “we will restore the credibility of the country and change the psychology of the international markets."

Eurogroup president Juncker acknowledged the country’s efforts to overcome its debt problem. He too addressed its critics abroad, saying that "the country is making great efforts to consolidate its finances, but this is not understood. After two years Greece faces a credibility crisis."

He said the priority of the country is the consolidation of public finances because they will restore its credibility. He argued that "with a serious policy of deficit reduction, the country can count on the disbursement of the next tranche." However, he explained that both the next tranche and the extension will depend on the Troika report. "The ball is in Greece’s court, and this is the last chance."

Replying to a relevant question, he said that "I do not support a third memorandum. The Troika will examine the way to fully implement the second program, and I don’t want to say that in the next six months Greece will not be given any help." But he refused to refer to his own suggestion for the extension, which he discussed with Merkel.

Juncker said that the measures to be taken by the country should be reliable and strong, acknowledged that "low wage earners have suffered enough and should not shoulder new burdens, but other social groups must contribute more."

He pointed out that Greece must proceed with its structural changes and noted that a lot of work has been done, especially in the labour market. He stressed that all professions must be deregulated even though there are reactions from powerful lobbies.

He clarified that "an exit from the Eurozone will not help Greece, while it will have a huge impact on Europe. If they stop talking about Greece’s exit from the euro, they will help with privatizations too." He concluded by saying that "I did not come here to give lessons to the government and I'm on the side of Greece."