Greek government hits back at critical German press report

The Greek government has hit back at speculation over its reform efforts after a report in the German press accused the leftist-led administration of dragging its feet in implementing its bailout obligations.

“Once again, the unrepentant and obsessive enemies of Greece are misinforming and speculating,” said an usually strong-worded statement from the prime minister’s office after a report in the German newspaper Die Welt quoted an alleged not from the German Embassy in Athens describing Greece as a “rudderless ship.”

“Against their wishes, which they call predictions, [Greece] is fulfilling its commitments,” said the statement adding that the recapitalization of Greek banks has been “successfully completed.” The report suggests there are concerns the first review of the current Greek progam could be delayed until the summer.

“They expected that they would bring back through the backdoor what they failed to achieve in July," the statement continued in a reference to a proposal for Greece to have a "time out" from the eurozone in the summer.

"They failed, and they will continue to fail. Whether they like it or not, they will have to get used to the idea that the Greek people have elected a government which is not to their liking,” the statement said.

“Greece is no longer isolated in Europe,” the statement said, noting that the threat of haircuts to bank deposits or a Grexit have now disappeared.