PM to press for redoubled efforts on reforms, image

After a quiet week for the Greek political scene, despite reassurances by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras that government work would not stop over the summer, the cabinet is to meet next week for a proper overview of priorities for the coming months.

Tsipras returned from his short holidays on Tuesday but most of his ministers were still away, with the majority expected to return on the weekend.

The first cabinet meeting of the fall is expected to focus on four key areas: the implementation of Greek bailout commitments ahead of a Euro Working Group summit scheduled for the end of the month; Tsipras’s speech for the Thessaloniki International Fair, where economic policy for the following year is traditionally outlined; possible social welfare initiatives to counter the imposition of austerity measures over the past year; and the projection of a narrative that the economy is stabilizing and laying the foundations for the government to adopt growth-inducing measures in the coming months.

Tsipras is expected to press ministers in key posts to redouble their efforts over the weeks and months ahead to ensure that the second bailout review goes smoothly, and does not drag on like the first review when delays led to the imposition of additional austerity measures.

According to sources, representatives of Greece’s international creditors are also keen to ensure that bailout negotiations proceed smoothly, partly because of the uncertainty fueled by June’s British referendum result against EU membership.