Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras briefed MPs on Friday evening on the progress of the Greek government’s bailout negotiations with creditors. During his speech at the Greek Parliament, Tsipras disclosed his unpleasant surprise regarding the bailout proposal put on the table by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, characterizing it as Europe’s “bad moment” and a “bad negotiating trick.” Tsipras told MPs that Greece is on the final stretch of debt talks and for this reason it is of great importance for all Greek parties, as well as the Greek people, to be informed about all latest developments. The Greek PM underlined that the government is seeking to reach an agreement that will disengage the society and economy of the cyclonic spiral, putting an end to austerity and giving a meaningful solution to the Greek debt. He added that Greece’s demands are the “only realistic proposal” during the European talks while he mentioned that the negotiation outcome has been already known to the Brussels Group by the Greek government. Referring to the creditors’ proposal, he said that it did not take into account the common ground of the three-month negotiation with the Brussels Group. “I could not imagine that the effort will be perceived as weakness,” he stated. “I could not imagine that the politicians, and not the technocrats, could not understand after five years and they really want to vote for the repeal of the EKAS or for a 10-point increase in the electricity VAT,” he noted, calling out the opposition parties and asking them whether they back institutions’ proposals. “Despite all provisions and harsh conditions, we have withstood the negotiations. After yesterday’s decision to transfer the four payments to the IMF at the end of the month, one thing is clear to everyone: No one wants a rift.” “Time is running out not just for us, time is running out for everyone. The realistic approach of Greece is the only serious negotiating line for a sustainable agreement,” he said. He also expressed his optimism, saying that “despite the large setback the day before yesterday, we are closer than ever to an agreement.” He concluded his Parliament speech by outlining the six axes of the government’s strategy: Low primary surpluses Debt reduction/restructuring Protection for wages and pensions Redistribution of incomes in favor of the majority Restoring collective labor negotiations An investment program
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