Europe ready to ‘assist Greece’ with reform agenda

The European Commission is ready to help Greece with its reforms within the framework of its second bailout program, a spokeswoman said on Monday, after parties opposed to the Greek bailout performed strongly in the country’s election.

“We stand ready to continue to assist Greece with its ongoing reform agenda in the framework of the second economic adjustment program,» Pia Ahrenkilde-Hansen said.

“We do not have a new government in Greece yet,» she said. «The Commission hopes and expects that the future government of Greece will respect the engagement that Greece has entered into.”

Greece’s conservative leader began a hunt for partners to forge a coalition that protects the country’s place in the euro zone. On Sunday, voters savaged the two ruling parties for imposing harsh wage and spending cuts. [Reuters]