Finland willing to discuss Greek bailout extension

Finland won’t forgive loans but is willing to discuss an extension to the current program with the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) following it’s election triumph on Sunday

Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb said on Monday that Finland – the only euro zone member that demanded collateral for a bailout loan for Greece in 2012 – is willing to discuss an extension to Greece’s bailout program if the next Greek government can’t commit to existing agreements.

“We will not forgive loans but we are ready to discuss extending the bailout program or maturities,” he said.

He said that he believes that Greece’s loan conditions are already affordable and didn’t see room for major change. He added that Finland respects the verdict of the Greek people in Sunday’s election, however, “one must remember that the whole euro crisis started from the breaking of rules.”

Stubb’s left-right coalition government is heading to the polls in April.