Spanish PM shores up Samaras

In joint statements made after the meeting, the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy effectively threw his support behind Samaras in light of the upcoming elections, underlining the need for Greece to continue with reforms and avoid instability.

"Greece and Spain were hit by a major crisis, the two countries made difficult and painful reforms which were necessary to build steady economies. The reforms are bearing fruit, the two countries have the largest growth index. Greece already has a primary surplus and in Spain we see that we too will develop. If we continue on the same, positive road, we will further grow our economies. Now we need stability and certainty and not instability and we need Europe," the Spanish premiere said, according to Kathimerini newspaper. He called Antonis Samaras 'a true leader'.

When Rajoy was asked how he viewed the Greek opposition's demand for a renegotiation of Greek debt, he responded that agreements in Europe cannot be changed every time there are elections.

Antonis Samaras referred to the excellent relations with Spain and with Rajoy and thanked the Spanish people for their solidarity towards Greece.

Spain he said, "Took part from 2010 in the rescue mechanism when the markets shut their doors. The Spanish people has loaned 26 billion euros to the Greek people - that is real solidarity. This assistance took place in an institutional and moral framework, we do not forget it, we recognize it and the Greek people will return the mone." the Greek Prime Minister added that moving forward the main challenge is to continue with reforms.