Hollande to visit Greece on Tuesday, eyeing support, sell-offs and frigate deal
French President Francois Hollande is expected in Athens on Tuesday, with sources saying his visit is intended as a show of support for the Greek government and its fiscal consolidation effort.
They added that Hollande is also interested in discussing the efforts of French businesses in Greece and convincing the Greek government to lease two FREMM multipurpose frigates two be used in the exploration of gas and oil reserves in the Aegean.
It is also expected that Hollande and Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras will discuss Greece’s privatization process. Athens is reportedly keen for French company EDF to express interest in the sale of natural gas companies DEPA and DESFA, with Russian firms currently leading the way in the tenders for the two firms, which is due to close in April.
Le Figaro newspaper suggested that Hollande will be aiming to send a message to foreign investors that the adjustment process in Greece along with structural reforms are starting to pay off.