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Speaking to Greeks in a nationally-televised address on Monday night, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras signalled the country was steadying its financial footing. "In 2014, Greece will venture out into the markets again [and] start becoming a normal country", he said. "In the new year, Greek debt will be officially declared viable."
He continued, “We don’t have to ask for loans each month. We have achieved a primary surplus, something that no one expected.” Addressing all Greek citizens, the Prime Minister said, “I want to thank you. As a society we have had difficult times. The worst is now behind us.” He stressed that 2013 was Greece’s zero point and stated that “we have put an end to Greece’s downfall".
Greece is experiencing a sixth year of recession and more than 27 per cent unemployment, leading to doubts among creditors that its weakened economy will be able to continue without more lending assistance from the EU and IMF. However the Greek government is expecting slim growth in 2014 and, not counting debt servicing costs, a small budget surplus.
Further reporting © Greek Reporter