German chancellor Angela Merkel lent political support to the efforts of the Greek government in joint comments with Greek premier Antonis Samaras, after their meeting in Berlin.

Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem has been quoted as saying that Greece must urgently meet commitments made to international lenders in order to restore its competitiveness and attract foreign investment.

Opposition parties have reacted strongly to the 2014 budget, tendered to parliament today that will be voted on 8 December.