Hollande: Reforms First, then we Talk About the Debt.

The president is acompanied by three basic members of his cabinet the Minister of Economy Michel Sapin, the Minister of Education Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, and the Minister for Culture Fleur Pelerin.  With them, is the secretary for European Affairs, and head of the socialist party, Harlem Desir as well as members of the French parliament and the congress.

A limited number of French businessmen also attends the President's entourage. The Greek government has tried to upstage the participation of these companies in the visit as prospective investors. It is certain that these companies are showing interest in owning some Greek assets and public companies or in extending the participation that they already have in them.

The visit comes at an opportune time for the newly elected Greek government as this has been the week during which the first measures , stemming from the bailout deal between Greece and its creditors, are being legislated. The French president is known to have been a supporter of Greece's stay in the Eurozone and his presence here is expected to emphasize his position.    

On the other hand, Mr.Hollande has never enjoyed particularly high popularity figures and his association with the, well liked in France, Greek PM is considered positive for his image in his country.

In his first statement F.Hollande said that his visit is one of friendship and support, “Greece and France have a long standing common history, France fought to help Greece into the European Union and is fighting today in order for the country to remain in it”. Referring to the refugee crisis, he said that “we must support Greece since the Greek borders are European borders and by supporting Greece, we are supporting Europe”. While talking about the Greek debt, Hollande noted that: “It is certain that France intents to bring the subject to the negotiating table and lighten Greece's burden, Greece, on its part, must move forward with the necessary reforms”. In his address to the Greek president he concluded: “We know about the efforts of the Greeks. More will be needed”.