Alexis Tsipras expressed his optimism on reaching an agreement with Greece’s eurozone partners this week for a “breather” until June, speaking during a joint press conference with Austrian Chancellor Werner Feymann in Vienna.

After talks Tsipras held with the Austrian Chancellor, he thanked Faymann by stating that “all those betting on Greece failing will lose”, charging that they are playing with fire “while stoking the flames and the rise of euroskeptics”.

“The new Greek government has tabled a specific plan to the eurozone. Our plan does not burden any European taxpayers at all”.

Tsipras also said he is confident that there will be an agreement reached on the basis of a Greek plan and added that the plan itself included a transition-scheme until the 1st of June. The program’s ultimate goal is for Greece to stop asking for bailout loans.

When asked what would happen if EU partners did not accept his program, Tsipras appeared confident that there will be settlements and compromises.

“We have tabled a realistic plan, since our intent is not to be at odds with the EU”.

On his part, the Austrian Chancellor said Greek-Austrian relations run deep, and that the EU’s goal is for Greece to stay in the eurozone. He underlined, however, that everyone must meet the things required of them, such as the program signed by successive Greek governments.

He added that a common European commitment is to combat eurozone problems and that Greece must fight tax evasion.

 Bad weather conditions

Due to a recent wave of bad weather that has covered Vienna in a blanket of snow, a plane carrying Tsipras was delayed.

The new Greek PM was welcomed in the square in front of the Chancellery Palace by dozens of Greek and Austrian citizens who had gathered to show their support to the new Greek government, with cheers and slogans.

He is expected to be briefed on the Austria’s employment policy and to return to Greece on the same day.

In previous published statements, Faymann emphasised in an interview with the Austrian newspaper Österreich that “those who have already expressed hopes that the new Greek government will fail” are mistaken, adding that such spitefulness is inappropriate.

Moreover, the Austrian Chancellor said that Alexis Tsipras, as prime minister, has the right to decide for himself how to save money for Greece.