Francois Hollande supports debt relief for Greece

French President Francois Hollande expressed his full support to the Greek government and praised the brave decision of the Greek people to remain in the euro zone during the first day of his visit to Athens.

Mr. Hollande clarified that following his support for Greece’s staying in the euro zone during the critical negotiations last July, he now supports the beginning of the discussions on the Greek debt. He also stressed that it is part of the July’s agreement given that Greece will comply with its commitments and will continue its reform program.

Mr. Hollande will address the Greek Parliament today at noon and it is considered by the French the utmost political moment of his visit. He is expected to talk about the reforms that need to be implemented, the recapitalization of the banks and to reiterate his support for the debt restructuring, while he will talk about his own proposals for the EU and the democratization of the euro zone.

With his visit, Mr. Hollande shows that the election results of September matter greatly to him, which was interpreted as a message of the Greek people for Greece’s unbreakable relationship with the EU and the euro zone. Interpreting with this way the vote of the Greeks, he sends a clear message to the European countries that they must strengthen their confidence to the Greek people and help them. Also, with his visit Mr. Hollande wants to show that Greece is not characterized only by the crisis, but has rich human resources with skills and abilities for successful business cooperation. This is why he chose to be accompanied by a delegation of French businessmen.

Visiting Greece and showing his solidarity and support to the left government of Alexis Tsipras, French President aims to fulfil his own political goals. He sends a message to the French and European left that he is the sole privileged interlocutor of the sole left government in EU supporting it in its efforts for exiting the crisis, whereas Germany has failed to do so. Needless to say that he is also careful not to disrupt his relations with the Germany and this is why he reiterates Greece’s obligation to comply with its commitments.

During the dinner hosted by the Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Thursday evening, French President praised the brave decision of the Greek people to remain in the euro zone.

The dinner was attended by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, members of the cabinet and other politicians, as well as diplomats and members of the business and science community.

“The first message I wish to confer to the entire Greek people is that its own choice of responsibility and courage to remain in the Eurozone will allow it to return to growth, thanks to the decisive action of its government,” Hollande said.

“You made a responsible choice,” the French President said, turning to Tsipras, referring to the agreement of July 13, adding that “Europe chose solidarity and now there must be some progress on the issue of Greece’s debt,”.

He also said that by the end of this month, 2 billion euros will be disbursed as a first sub-tranche from Greece’s loan and after reviewing the progress made in the implementation of reforms, the disbursement of 15 billion euros for the recapitalization of the banks will follow. “France will be observing the matter closely,” he stressed.

On the other hand, he clarified that Greece has still a lot of work to do to fulfill its ambitious goals.

Mr. Hollande also referred to the refugee crisis reiterating his view that Greek borders are Europe’s borders and must be protected, while referring also to the hotspots being created on the Greek islands he said that they must offer decent living conditions.