Economic reforms and refugee crisis are main concerns of new Greek government
A new Greek left-wing government with Alexis Tsipras as prime minister took charge on Wednesday, focused on tackling the country's recent economic woes and Europe's refugee crisis.
Mr Tsipras could not attend the oath-taking ceremony of his cabinet ministers as he had to fly to Brussels for an urgent migration summit organised on Friday after Europe’s decision to relocate 120,000 refugees.
The summit was organised to make sure EU borders are tightened and refugees from Syria and neighbouring countries are given proper aid. “We must share the burden,” Tsipras said in Brussels, AFP reported.
Tsipras, 41, resigned in August after he lost the majority vote as a result of angry rebels inside his Syriza party over issues on economic reform and rescue deal. The revival of his reign, however, has witnessed the emergence of his team with the same members as before. Pro-euro Euclid Tsakalotos remains the finance minister, while George Chouliarakis has been appointed junior finance minister.
Chouliarakis said that 61 percent of bailout obligations in Greece had already been fulfilled, according to state agency ANA. EU Economic Affairs Minister Pierre Moscovici indicated his happiness on the return of Tsakalotos to the post. “Happy to continue working together to help Greece,” he tweeted.
The members of the new government are now gocused on reviving Greek economy. “Our goal is recovery and reconstruction,” Deputy Prime Minister Yiannis Dragasakis told reporters prior to swearing in.
The Greek economy has been struck by recession due to the closure of banks in the summer and capital controls’ imposition. The government said it will focus on improving small and medium sized enterprises that constitute the lifeline of Greece.
Approximately 40,000 people are expected to be declared bankrupt by the end of 2015. State Minister Alekos Flambouraris told reporters that the government’s first priority will be to kick-start the real economy.
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