French President Francois Hollande during his two-days official visit in Greece hailed the decision of Greece to remain in the Eurozone and supported the Greek government’s request for debt relief.
Hollande spoke at a formal dinner hosted by President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Thursday evening. The dinner was attended by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and cabinet members as well as politicians, diplomats and members of the business and scientific communities.
The French President noted that by the end of this month, 2 billion euros will be disbursed as a first sub-installment from Greece’s loan and after reviewing the progress made in the implementation of reforms, another 15 billion euros will be disbursed for the recapitalization of Greek banks. “France will be observing the matter closely,” he said.
Speaking of the refugee crisis, Hollande reiterated his view that Greek borders are Europe’s borders and “must be protected”, while he also referred to the “hotspots” being created on various Greek islands to receive refugees, saying they must offer decent living conditions.
Francois Hollande addressed the Greek Parliament on Friday afternoon. He recognised the difficult task of implementing the reforms required by Greece's creditors -especially pension and taxation reforms. He said that France will continue supporting Greece and offered French assistance in the implementation of the necessary reforms for the country’s return to growth, including combating tax evasion as well as utilizing public property.
The French president-who came to Greece accompanied by a large number of french businessmen and investors- referred to the economic relationship between Greece and France and stressed the fact that French companies are employing 12,000 people in Greece.
“I want France to increase its presence. To participate in big infrastructure plans, in the health sector, the energy sector, in new technologies. France can contribute. And you can establish a strategic corporate relationship with France” he said from the parliament’s stand.