A.Tsipras: I would like to express my condolences to the French people and the families of those lost by the catastrophic hurricane Irma at the French Antilles.
Today our thoughts go to them, however, the visit of the French President gave us the opportunity to discuss in essence a series of crucial issues concerning the future of Europe and, of course, the deepening of the historic relations between France and Greece and between the French and the Greek people. A relation which has been tested in difficult times in history, during our struggle for national independence and our common struggle against fascism. I had the opportunity to mention to the French President, that generations of Greek people have been raised in France, then returned in Greece and reinforced the Greek and French relations. I, also, referred to the intellectuals who went to France after the Greek civil war and ,also, during the dictatorship in Greece, and the support of the French people to the struggle of the Greeks against dictatorship as well as the support during the first steps of our country in the common European family. And certainly during the twofold European crisis, in economy and in the management of the refugee flows, where the French government and the French people have always been by the side of the efforts of Greece and the Greek people. The French President is visiting Greece at an extremely critical time, I would say for all of Europe, and of course for Greece, against those who had invested in Europe’s plunging.
Greece, after, making tremendous economic performances and completing extremely important reforms over the years, we can now say with confidence that it is turning page. The official figures show that the first quarters of 2017 were positive on a quarterly and annual basis, a performance based on real economy data, such as increased exports, strengthening manufacturing and retail sales, the spectacular performance and the rise of the tourism industry for the third consecutive year, both in terms of increases and revenues. All of these make us feel much more optimistic that we are at the end of a great adventure, much more optimistic that in 2017 we will be able to achieve high growth rates close to 2% and of course to achieve our goals and for this year, but also for the ones that follow.
However, I have to say that this is not enough. Our goal is the successful completion of the program in August 2018. From our part, we are absolutely ready and determined to move in this direction and I am sure that the other institutions have the same approach in order to avoid delays and uncertainties, which in the past have created obstacles to the successful completion of the evaluations. And we firmly believe – and we have addressed that with the French President – that time is part of our strategy for the programs ‘success, it is a key for the success, I would say, in August 2018.
At the same time, it should be noted that Eurogroup’s decision on the “lock-in” algorithm for the sustainability of the Greek debt last June was extremely positive, for this outcome the French assistance was crucial, along with the suggestion of a mechanism that links debt sustainability and debt relief measures to the growth and growth rates of the Greek economy. And in that sense, I believe we are in a position to create a framework of confidence for investors who find that, after many years of recession, the Greek economy is returning. We have seen this, of course, in Greece’s successful attempt to enter the money markets in the past, something that fills us with confidence, that with planning and hard work we can leave behind us the difficult times of the crisis and be more optimistic about the days that come for the Greek people, which is extremely important. And it is important not only for Greece. It is important for Europe. The Greek crisis was a European crisis. As a result, the end of the Greek crisis, the final end of the Greek crisis will also mean the passage of Europe to a new era with fewer uncertainties, more optimism for the future of the peoples of Europe.
We agreed with President Macron, to work closely in the field of investment. A crucial field for strengthening the dynamics of the Greek economy. Greece has priority fields where French companies have great potential but also interest in investment. I would like to welcome the fact that, along with President Macron, a large number of senior executives of major French companies, 40 in number, and I would like to welcome the agreement for the Port of Thessaloniki with a consortium in which a French company participates and demonstrates precisely this fact, as well as the recent agreement between Greek and French aerospace clusters. We have therefore agreed to step up and facilitate this cooperation on new technologies, support to start-ups, the field of tourism, the real estate market, the agricultural sector, the energy sector, transport, infrastructure, and the defense industry. And at this point, allow me to thank the French Government for the very substantial technical assistance in our effort to reform the Public Administration.
Of course, during our debate we did not forget to discuss about the regional developments as well. And we stressed the need to upgrade the global and regional role of the European Union. Always, of course, in the defense of the international law. We talked about the refugee and immigration crisis, we talked about Turkey, we underlined the importance of keeping Europe firm and resolute with regard to the messages sent to Turkey, awaiting our neighbor respect for international law and the defense of human rights that are unfortunately severely tested. At the same time, however, we stressed the importance of preserving key elements in Europe’s relations with Turkey and trying to shape a positive agenda. From my side, I pointed out that Turkey’s accession course and the European Union’s commitments to the Turkish side are of particular value to both the Turkish people and Europe and to the promotion of necessary democratic reforms in the neighboring country. Of course, I pointed out to President Macron our firm attachment to the effort for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue. We discussed about the Western Balkans and their accession prospects and the regional development and security and the initiatives that Greece will take in this context in the next period.
As it is understandable, much of our discussion was used for expressing our thoughts, our ideas on the necessary reforms and changes, the brave decisions that we have to take for the future of Europe. But I will not talk about that anymore, as it is the issue of our presence on Pnyx hill in a little while. I will therefore let our thoughts and suggestions be heard there and not make any further excuses at the press conference we are organizing now.
Once again, Emmanuel, I want to thank you for your presence here today, for the open-hearted support of France and the French Government to the efforts of the Greek Government, and I wish that in the next few years our efforts to find a response. Let us make the European idea attractive to the European citizens, especially the new generations, to bring Europe back to its founding values, the values of democracy, solidarity, those values that Europe has inherited to a great extent by both history and the struggles of its peoples, with the contribution of both the French and the Greek people to this common tradition and the history of Europe which is extremely important.
Thank you very much.
Macron: Thank you very much, dear Alexis, Mr. Prime Minister, for your warm words and for the very constructive and detailed discussion that we had as well as our ministers.
Firstly, a great thank you for the words of solidarity towards France that has been hurt since yesterday by the hurricane, with victims, injured, with disastrous effect on the islands of St. Bartholomew and St. Martin. For all, therefore, those who have suffered for our British friends, the Dutch, the Americans in Haiti and Saint Dominic.
Mr. Prime Minister, I agree with everything you have said in our meeting. Our two countries are linked by history, ties, relationships between artists, intellectuals, philosophers, directors, writers who have had parallel paths throughout our history. The French have grown up with the films of Kostas Gavras, those who studied philosophy with the books of Cornelius Castoriadis. You made some French references to the history of Greece. But the language is also linking us. I know that in Greece, students choose French as their second foreign language. And I hope this continues, I hope the French language will be strengthened in your country. Because I do believe that our relations and our interactions is what constitutes Europe.
Certainly the referred to as Greek crisis, which has lasted for many years, is something that is slowly being overcome. I totally agree with what you said. From my point of view, it was a European crisis from the beginning. And I would really like to welcome all the efforts of Greece in recent years and especially your own actions, Prime Minister. Especially for the completion of the two ESM evaluations and for all the reforms that have been implemented.
We are seeing, for the first time, positive evidence. They are still weak, but we witness that Greece is returning to recovery, growth and investment. And I would like, precisely for that, to support Greece that is recovering, to support the presence of trust. And by next summer Greece will be able to support its efforts and implement its commitments.
Certainly, the return of Greece to the markets a few weeks ago was the first positive sample. But reforms need to be strengthened, this is your commitment. The IMF should not, in good faith, present new terms and conditions to remain in the program.
Finally, the Eurogroup should follow the integration and exit of Greece from the adjustment and assistance program and take measures to alleviate the debt. I hope that these debates will begin in 2018 and that confidence will be restored. At the same time, we need to support investment and the actual return of Greece to growth. I hope that France will be able to support you and play an important role in this.
You talked about administrative reform, the modernization of state structures. Tomorrow we will, also, support the Greek Development Bank through the cooperation of the French Development Bank. And, of course, I came here accompanied by a large delegation of representatives of large and small-sized French businesses from the fields of tourism, food, energy and new technologies and innovation. They will assist Greece to return to growth, support the reforms so far and, of course, bring labour back to higher levels.
We wish, as we have shown solidarity, to support Greece returning to growth today. This is the coherence of French policy. And for many years, I think that this characterizes our bilateral relations.
I would also like to say that we also talked about Europe. I mentioned the European program and timetable, to which both Paris and Athens converge. In the following weeks, we will take very important steps with regard to the new agenda for Europe. We discussed about the reform, the directive on posted workers, we want the Prime Minister and I to have a common attitude towards this issue. Our colleagues are already working on the drafting of this directive and I hope that by the end of the year the context of the directive will be reviewed and successfully completed. That’s why I made a trip to central and Eastern Europe two weeks ago.
Also, following the European Council, we want to proceed with the eight countries that have already expressed their agreement along with whoever else wants to join us, structured and permanent cooperation with the view of the integration of other countries.
I wish, therefore, in this context, to continue the dialogue with Greece, because I believe that Europe which it protects should also protect growth and investment.
I hope that Europe will remain open to foreign investment, while protecting European strategic investments everywhere in Europe. Europe also protects against the migratory crisis, with the migratory flows that you know well in Europe. We have not been able to proceed with the reform of the asylum regime. But I believe that with the ongoing discussions on the seven different texts on immigration, asylum and refugee crisis, we can make significant steps in the coming months.
But I am here because I want to talk about the future as well. Europe, because of the fact that we have shown determination and because we have accelerated our rhythms, Europe is slowly emerging from the crisis, a crisis that has been in recent years.
Therefore, I believe that Europe should turn a page and in the following weeks and months, we will have to make decisive steps towards the future. For me, it is an important and crucial moment for Europe and I have made commitments to the French people.
In a little while we will stand on Pnyx Hill and I believe that the subject of Europe will be at the heart of what we have to say. I hope and believe that 2018 will be a year of significant progress, an ambitious year for Europe. At least that will be the attitude of France, Prime Minister. Thank you very much for your warm reception, thank you very much for the discussions we have had. I want to reiterate that France will remain at your side in the difficult and joyful moments, because we really have common ambitions at the height of our history.
Thank you very much.
TROTEN: The question is mainly addressed to President Macron, even though we are in Greece. In relation to the issue of the hurricane. You said yesterday that the report of the victims would be cruel and difficult, nevertheless insist on the official visit here. And I ask why? And secondly, you started by speaking about timing. Can you give us more details? You said you could do anything for the growth, will you stand on the side of the Greeks. You have a 40-member delegation. Will agreements be signed? And which exactly? Can you give us more details?
Macron: Indeed, the Prime Minister mentioned that at his speech. Yesterday evening we had a crisis management meeting and I took the floor and said that we will face very difficult times in front of us because we count human losses, we count victims. A large number of the population in the French Antilles has been left homeless and in terms of the number of victims and their needs and the material disasters that have occurred, the image is not clear. I do not want to talk about the official report right now, from Greece, because the crisis management continues with the decision-makers with whom I am in direct contact. It is very difficult to analyze the situation now in these islands. There have been massive material disasters and it is certainly difficult to make the necessary monitoring missions. The French Prime Minister is watching very closely. We are in direct communication and we will have news. We had already been organized for many days now so that these regions could resist as much as possible the disaster.
I want to welcome all the services, all the people who have realized their duties and helped to reduce the very unpleasant and negative impact. I want to thank, therefore, the public services. First aid is already given. A bridge has been opened to provide assistance to and from Guadeloupe. We are talking about access to health services, drinking water, and the first reconstruction measures. All of these have already started as mechanisms to work.
So I do not wish, from here in Athens, to make an official statement. Yesterday, during the night, I made the decision not to cancel my trip to Greece because the meeting, we had all been attending for managing the crises, was already over. The French Prime Minister has taken on a very active role, and because the 24 hours I would spend in Greece, it could not make it possible for me to go to the islands hit by the disaster. Climate conditions do not allow the flight of the Presidential Airplane from Europe, to arrive at the islands and be by the side of the victims.
Therefore, I decided to continue with my schedule, being in direct communication. I am not in a position at this time to tell you exactly when I am going to the French Antilles, because the weather does not allow that and also because there are still many uncertainties. In any case, the French government, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Internal Affairs and other competent ministers have taken this responsibility, have been mobilized immediately, all the mechanisms for helping the victims and their families have been activated in order to for everything to return to the normal state as soon as possible.
Personally, I will visit the French Antilles to stand by our fellow citizens as soon as the weather allows it.
I want to express our solidarity, our deep sorrow for the victims, our solidarity towards the families and relatives, and our solidarity towards the people who have lost their home. We all want to take this time to address the climate change and how serious of an issue it is.
I will, now, address the issue of my official visit to Greece which was really essential, as I have emphasized it in my speech. France fought a great deal on the side of Greece. Greece has experienced a very harsh austerity in the recent years and part of the European batch, if you wish, is played here. And, also, the future of Europe is partly determined here. And we want to accompany Greece to the reforms it adopts, to accompany it in its return to growth and to reinforce investment in the country.
Several framework agreements will be signed related to the Development Bank. Framework agreements will be signed for investment projects, including the port of Thessaloniki, concerning progress and development in digital technology as well as energy. And tomorrow, meetings between leading French and Greek businesses will actually make this a reality, if you wish, according to this rationale. In any case, many French businesses have come to Greece and have not abandoned it. France did not abandoned Greece in the time of crisis. We have a French financial presence in Greece, which amounts about 12,700 employees and we have created about one hundred affiliates.
Mr. Meligonis (News 247): The question is addressed to you both: Whether the IMF shows good faith, Mr. President, as you said earlier or not, both Athens and Paris, in what way are you envisioning the role of the IMF in the new architecture of the EU?
Tsipras: This is an interesting question. I want to remind you that the IMF has been participating in the Greek programs for seven years, in the first, the second, and the third. It participates in the form of the so-called stand by arrangement and we look forward to seeing the final decisions they will take on whether they will participate financially or not. On the issue of debt we are on the same side. Of course, disagreements are known, not only between the Greek side and the estimations by the Fund, but also between the European institutions, their assessments and those made by the Fund.
I would like to say that the contribution of the Fund in general to European programs should be evaluated on the basis of the Greek experience. And of course, based on this assessment, we can reach definitive conclusions as the impact of this involvement has not always been positive. From this point on, talking about Europe in total, about the future of Europe, I wish to make a comment. Europe has a crucial role to play in the international, global sphere, especially nowadays, at a time of widening competition and opposition. In a period of globalization and destabilization. Europe has a crucial role to play, stabilizing, as a guarantor of peace, security and prosperity in the world. If, it is to try to solve global problems, it goes without saying that it should have the ability, above all, to be able to resolve its own problems with its own forces. In this sense, I believe that it must also create the appropriate institutions at all levels. It has this ability to manage the problems that concern it with its own institutions, its own financial tools, its own powers.
This is an issue that will concern us, anyway, in the discussion unfolding about the future of Europe. I believe that now is the momentum, the right time to start the discussion and make critical decisions. That is to move towards this direction, which will enable Europe to have the power and institutional framework to solve its own problems without necessarily requesting the help of third parties, even though this assistance may often be useful, but I think it is more useful, Europe to be able itself to solve its problems.
Macron: I will give an answer that is also a reply in principle, but also one concerning Greece. I do not believe it is the right method for the IMF to monitor European programs and intervene, as it did at the time. I was not responsible for these decisions, but I believe that Europe’s credibility and national sovereignty is something that it suffers. And this is mainly based on the lack of trust between European states – and possibly if we want to be honest – a lack of trust between European institutions and national authorities. But the IMF is a very important organization. France plays a very important role. I support my role and responsibilities, but it is not the role of the IMF to intervene on European issues. I said it before and I repeat it again. Therefore, I hope that in January 2018 to begin the discussions. There will be a way to strengthen reforms in Greece, but also solidarity to prevail, which will inevitably lead to the alleviation of Greek debt. I believe that the position of the IMF in this negotiation should be expressed in good faith and without new terms and conditions. If disagreements occur, we need to decide how the problems will be overcome. But I am optimistic and I believe that we will be able to find solutions with the IMF and we will find a credible and powerful way to exit this crisis. We must not tire our ministers and our associates into endless discussions lasting entire nights to figure what the exact rate of growth for Greece is for the next three years. Even for France, if you ask me today, what the future growth will be, I cannot answer. Allow us not to lose our time and our energy over such things. Let’s return to the means that work. We have a European Stability Mechanism that has been created to function and to be effective and operate on a European level, without the need of the assistance of external international organizations.
