French President Francois Hollande supported the Greek government’s request for debt relief and praised the brave decision of the Greek people to remain in the Eurozone and return to a path of growth.
Hollande spoke at a formal dinner hosted by President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Thursday evening.
The dinner was attended by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and cabinet members as well as politicians, diplomats and members of the business and scientific communities.
“The first message I wish to convey to the Greek people is that their own choice of responsibility and courage to remain in the Eurozone will allow the return to growth, thanks to the decisive actions of their 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 said his desire is to have some debt relief that will benefit the economy.
The French President also said that by the end of this month, 2 billion euros will be disbursed as a first sub-installment from Greece’s loan and after reviewing the progress made in the implementation of reforms, another 15 billion euros will be disbursed for the recapitalization of Greek banks. “France will be observing the matter closely,” he said.
On the other hand, he said Greece has a lot of work ahead in order to fulfill its ambitious goals, noting that the Greek state has to be remade to respond to modern-day challenges. “It must ensure true equality for all in taxation; provide citizens with quality public services, particularly in education and health, and create the conditions for growth and employment, as the unemployment rate remains at a staggering 26.5 per cent of the working population,” he noted.
The dinner was attended by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and cabinet members as well as politicians, diplomats and members of the business and scientific communities.
“The first message I wish to convey to the Greek people is that their own choice of responsibility and courage to remain in the Eurozone will allow the return to growth, thanks to the decisive actions of their 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 said his desire is to have some debt relief that will benefit the economy.
The French President also said that by the end of this month, 2 billion euros will be disbursed as a first sub-installment from Greece’s loan and after reviewing the progress made in the implementation of reforms, another 15 billion euros will be disbursed for the recapitalization of Greek banks. “France will be observing the matter closely,” he said.
On the other hand, he said Greece has a lot of work ahead in order to fulfill its ambitious goals, noting that the Greek state has to be remade to respond to modern-day challenges. “It must ensure true equality for all in taxation; provide citizens with quality public services, particularly in education and health, and create the conditions for growth and employment, as the unemployment rate remains at a staggering 26.5 per cent of the working population,” he noted.
Speaking of the refugee crisis, Hollande reiterated his view that Greek borders are Europe’s borders and “must be protected”, while he also referred to the “hotspots” being created on various Greek islands to receive refugees, saying they must offer decent living conditions.
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