Gov’t spokesman rebuffs reports of split between PM, FinMin
Government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos on Thursday rejected speculation about a rift between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos over economic policy.
"There is a very tight cooperation between Tsipras and Tsakalotos and they share political and ideological outlook as regards the handling of all issues," Tzanakopoulos told Real FM.
The spokesman added that the government will do everything that is politically and socially possible to conclude a pending review of Greece's bailout implementation by international creditors.
"The main reason for the delay has to do with the irrational demands of the IMF," he said, referring to the International Monetary Fund, adding that opposition New Democracy "would do well to recognize this."
The Fund's demand for up-front legislation in Greece's Parliament of 4.5 billion euros in measures after the end of the program is economically and politically irrational."
Tzanakopoulos's comments followed a statement by ND spokesman Vassilis Kikilias, drawing attention to an apparent rift within the government over economic policy following a clash between Tsakalotos and Parliament Speaker Nikos Voutsis on Thursday night as Tsipras prepared to address the House.
