Merkel praise for Greece austerity
Germany’s chancellor says she thinks that debt-laden Greece is making progress in implementing reforms and austerity measures “step by step”.
Angela Merkel said in her weekly video podcast published on Saturday that Greece’s progress is slower than hoped “but on this matter we should always give Greece another chance”.
Ms Merkel’s comments appeared to signal a further shift in Germany’s position toward showing more patience even though Athens has fallen behind on the ambitious reforms and cuts it must implement in return for bailout loans.
The subtle shift comes amid calls from the International Monetary Fund to give Greece two more years to meet the agreed targets.
Ms Merkel, who visited Athens on Tuesday, has said that extending the time frame for Greece’s reforms can only be decided after a creditors’ assessment expected within weeks.
