Tsipras to meet Merkel in Berlin Friday
A recent decision by the Greek government to give pensioners a one-off Christmas bonus despite misgivings from creditors is expected to be at the center of talks between Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and German Chancellor Angela Merkel over a working lunch in Berlin on Friday.
A joint press conference has been scheduled for 12.30 p.m.
Speaking to reporters after Thursday’s European Union summit, Merkel said that she did not intend “to conduct negotiations about the Greek aid package.”
The government defied reactions from lenders Thursday and legislated plans to grant the supplement. The bonus, which Athens wants to distribute next week, was approved by 195 votes, while 59 deputies form New Democracy opposition abstained.
On Wednesday lenders reacted to the plan saying they were suspending a deal reached earlier this month to offer Greece short-term debt relief.
