Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras today at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos appealed to Europe to show more solidarity, as well as to develop a coordinated strategy for economic growth.
Tsipras, as reported by the British Guardian, said that in the past years Greece has made great efforts to reform its own economy and that it has gone through an unprecedented crisis.
"We lost 25 percent of our gross domestic product and unemployment skyrocketed," he said at a panel in Davos, where German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble is also participating.
"Greece needs significant structural reforms. We must all understand that right next to a balanced budget, we must also have economic growth," Tsipras said, adding that official Athens must fight corruption and work to encourage investments.
The Greek Prime Minister also stated that official Athens accepts the insistence of European partners that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) take part in monitoring the aid package granted to Athens.
"We had long talks, we heard different views. Some partners asked for the IMF to be involved, and we agreed to reach an agreement. Now we are doing everything in our power to implement this agreement," Tsipras emphasized.
Schäuble, on the other hand, said that the German and other parliaments of European countries have agreed to help Athens, on the condition that the IMF remains involved in the program.
Tsipras also called on Europe to show more solidarity, to develop a coordinated growth strategy, and to help reduce inequality between members in the north and south.
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