Merkel, Schaeuble optimistic over Greek deal

August 17, 2015
Written by E.Tsiliopoulos

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday said that the third aid programme will help Greece to get back on its feet.

"It doesn't help if we are all nice to each other and in three or four years everything is worse than it already is today," Merkel told ZDF public television. The German Chancellor rejected claims that Berlin is isolated and that it seeks a German Europe. She added that Greece changed its approach "thanks to the tough stance of many countries but also (German Finance minister) Wolfgang Schaeuble and the German government". Merkel underlined that Athens now "sees that the country can only get back on its feet if it really reforms".

Meanwhile, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble appeared cautiously optimistic about the aid program approved for Greece on Friday, describing it as “an opportunity” that must be used.

“We will have to wait and see,” the minister told journalists during a press briefing after the Eurogroup. “This is an opportunity … which would be utterly irresponsible not to use.”

“But what is crucial is for Greece to do what it says it will do,” he noted, adding “this is a good day” despite his initial reservations.

Schaeuble was also among the ministers who said that it is crucial for the IMF to participate in the third bailout for Greece.

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