Lenders not officially aware of social measures announced by Tsipras

The European Commission was not aware of announcements made by Greek PM Alexis Tsipras on Thursday regarding a package of social measures benefiting low-income pensioners. The measures were announced by Tsipras in a televised address to the nation.

It was not known on Friday whether representatives of the country’s lenders in Athens had been informed of the decision. However, sources in Athens said that the possibility of extra measures for low-income pensioners had been discussed on a technical level between Greek and European officials a few weeks ago.

Speaking to Kathimerini, a European official said the IMF usually opposed such moves. While Greece remained within its targets and the extra provisions would be funded through the surplus, the state had still to pay off a series of expired debts to third parties.

On Thursday, Tsipras announced the release of 617 million euros to low-income pensioners.