Advertisement

So, what happens now in Greece?

The deadline for Greece's IMF repayment may have come and gone - but European officials still hol...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.59 1 Jul 2015


Share this article


So, what happens now in Greece...

So, what happens now in Greece?

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.59 1 Jul 2015


Share this article


The deadline for Greece's IMF repayment may have come and gone - but European officials still hold out hope of a new debt deal being agreed.

Talks

Eurozone finance ministers will hold a conference call at 10:30 GMT to discuss Greece's request for a third bailout deal through the European Stability Mechanism, Europe’s bailout fund. The country is looking for €30bn to be spent on servicing debt.

Advertisement

This would be spread over two years - but early soundings suggest that such a deal will be difficult to pass.

France’s finance minister Michel Sapin has said that it would be "incredibly complicated" - especially as the continent waits for the outcome of this weekend's vote in Greece.

The proposed referendum is still due to go ahead, despite the fact that the deal which the Greeks will vote on is no longer on the table.

Latest opinion polls suggest that the Syriza endorsed no vote is still ahead - its lead has shortened, but it is still healthy at 54 to 33 percent.

Key European leaders have framed a no vote as an indication that Greece wants to leave the euro - while a yes vote would put the future of the current government in doubt.

ECB

The European Central Bank will also meet today to discuss Greece, and whether the bank will continue to provide emergency financial support to its banks.

Given that a third bailout is being discussed by European institutions, it is likely that the ECB will continue to help Greece - but it could impose tougher terms.

The Central Bank has poured €89bn into the Greek financial system during the last few months to keep the system afloat.

In Greece

While banks remain closed until the weekend's referendum, an exception will be made today as 1,000 branches will open to allow pensioners to cash up to €120 from their pension cheques.

They have been issued with numbered tickets in an attempt to make the process as organised as possible. Pensioners are currently queuing at banks around the country.

New PMI figures show that manufacturing activity is down again in Greece, slumping from 48 to 46.9 (any figure below 50 means contraction).

 


Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular