ND - NO DEAL (Greece again)

Reuters reports on the refusal of ND and Samaras to sign the required pledge

From Eurointelligence:

Greek conservatives vowed to reject further austerity measures
Greece's conservatives vowed on Monday to reject any new austerity in return for the bailout, Reuters reports. Eurozone leaders and the European Commission are waiting for the conservative New Democracy and its two coalition partners -- the Socialists and the right-wing LAOS party – to sign pledges that they will do what is necessary to make a new €130bn rescue loan package work. New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras said he would not sign any pledge for new belt-tightening. His support for the three-day old government has been lukewarm. The LAOS party has also objected to any new wage or pension cuts. Opening a parliamentary debate that will culminate in a confidence vote on Wednesday, incoming premier Lucas Papademos urged the parties to commit to implementing the bailout's terms as agreed last month. Papademos said Greece had no choice but to remain inside the eurozone, telling lawmakers reforms were the only way to mitigate painful austerity measures.

Eurointelligence Update, 16 November:

The next loan tranche remains in doubt, as New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras continues to refuse to sign a letter that he supports the Greek adjustment programme. The European Commission yesterday reconfirmed its commitment not to release the next tranche of the loan until he gives a written assurance.


Has the EU backed down on this demand?


It's a confusing situation.


Here, for instance, is The Daily Telegraph today (17 November):


"In Greece, the leaders of two members of the three-party opposition refused to sign a pledge to implement the austerity measures agreed in Brussels last month. Without the signatures of Antonis Samaras and George Karatzaferis, the crucial €8bn (£6.8bn) tranche of aid to Athens will remain frozen."

Here's The New Athenian's view (John Psaropoulos)

Kathimerini, 17 November

Kathimerini, 18 November