The government, taking into account the independence and charter of the Bank of Greece, is proposing the renewal of the term of current governor Yannis Stournaras, said government spokesperson Stelios Petsas in an announcement on Tuesday.

Estimates of a 10 pct economic contraction this year were excessive, Bank of Greece governor Yannis Stournaras said on Tuesday, and noted he expected the country’s GDP to shrink by 8.0 pct under the worst-case scenario. 

The "Hercules" plan is an important systemic solution towards reducing non-performing loans. But the issue does not end here, as the plan will help to settle NPLs worth around 30 billion euros from a total of 75 billion, leaving another 40 billion euros, Bank of Greece's governor Yannis Stournaras said on Tuesday.