Biting, sarcastic, and acerbic comments were leveled by government vice president Evangelos Venizelos against finance minister Yannis Stournaras, fueling the feud between them.

"The troika will return to Athens, after the 9 December Eurogroup," said finance minister Yannis Stournaras after his meeting with the Prime Minister, precipitated by the troika's postponment of next week's visit.

Continuing talks with troika officials augur a crucial week for the government.