Stournaras upbeat on troika talks, insists extra fiscal measures won’t be needed
Following talks with troika officials late on Sunday, Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras appeared upbeat on the prospect of an agreement so Greece could receive more bailout loans and insisted there would be no need for more fiscal measures.
Speaking briefly to journalists after the talks, Stournaras ruled out the possibility of extra tax hikes or wage cuts but was less adamant about a need for further structural reforms.
Stournaras said progress had been made in talks on Sunday, when the troika also met with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.
“I believe that we will reach an agreement in the next few days,” said the finance minister. “I can’t say how soon this will be because negotiations are ongoing.”
Stournaras said there would be statements when the talks have been concluded.
The two sides are debating a range of structural reforms including firings in the civil service and the bank recapitalization program.
Without an agreement, Greece cannot receive its two next loan tranches of 2.8 and 6 billion euros.
