EU works to keep Greece in the EZ, sends Moscovici to Athens and #GreeksAskJuncker

Amid the horror Grexit-scenarios being pushed around by the Greek coalition government, the European Commission says “it is working to keep Greece firmly in the eurozone” and thus just a couple of days after EC chief Jean-Claude Juncker blatantly intervened in the Greek politics. EU Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici landed in Athens on Monday in a two-day visit allegedly aiming to express solidarity with PM Antonis Samaras. “Moscovici’s visit gives the message that onlt this government can secure stability,” state television NERIT knew to interpret the purpose of the visit on Monday afternoon.

Pierre Moscovici met PM Antonis Samaras and will have other important contacts, a trip forecast to be pleasant with dinners, lunch and Co and an exciting visit to a metro stations under contruction.

Visiting a metro station under construction in #Athens: modernisation of infrastructures with the support of Europe pic.twitter.com/AM46DsaSi5

— Pierre Moscovici (@pierremoscovici) December 15, 2014

He will not meet with main opposition Syriza-leader Alexi Tsipras.

The visit of the EU Commissioner coincides with the crucial vote of rthe country’s next President. The first round of voting is to take place on Wednesday,  on December 17th.

In an interview with the Sunday edition of Kathimerini, Moscovici said that neither the markets nor the European Union liked uncertainty, “but again we don’t interfere in Greek politics.”

“The Greek people will choose their destiny,” he said. “We don’t have to influence that but then again it’s logical that we speak with legitimate people who do and who think what we think.” (via France24.com)

Short after the meeting with PM Samaras, Moscovici praised the Greek economicand reforms efforts

saying
“Obviously there is a great progress in recent years and months“
adding
“No one in the European Commission can deny that progress”
stressing
“The need for structural reforms not only for Greece but for all eurozone countries”
recognizing
“Greece and the Greek people have made a great effort”
claiming
“But if we see the growth figures, the nemployment these reforms were neccessary so that Greek economy becomes more robust”>
and concluding that
“More reforms [see: additional austerity] must be done”
(source)

PS

I think my blogpost needs a new title… something like “Moscovici visits metro stration under construction and is impressed from the Greek efforts”

Also on Monday, EC spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said that the the sole aim of EU for Greece is to keep the country in the eurozone.

“The only option that the (European) Commission is working for is to keep Greece firmly in the eurozone. I think that the commitment of this European Commission to the efforts of the Greek authorities and the Greek people has been made very clear,” Andeeva said.

Deeply touched by the EU support and solidarity with the sacrifices of the Greek people, some internet users launched a Twitter hashtag #GreeksAskJuncker

A few examples:

#GreeksAskJuncker whether you believe in people deciding their own future rather than voting for people who are familiar to you, @JunckerEU?

— Dimitris Kontopoulos (@DGKontopoulos) December 15, 2014

Ο Αη Βασίλης είναι σοσιαλιστής ή κομμουνιστής? Is Santa a socialist or a communist? #GreeksAskJuncker pic.twitter.com/b2fnIb82HE

— Pericles (@YPavl) December 14, 2014

#GreeksAskJuncker Which one is the right order? Toast-cheese-ham-toast or toast-ham-cheese-toast. If we have money to add butter what then?

— Haris Halampalakis (@Halampalakis) December 14, 2014

Of course, not all of the Tweeps are nice or humoristic….