The leftist SYRIZA government seems to have placed its hopes for the resolution of the ongoing “Greek problem” on Francois Hollande, who has reportedly assumed the role of a mediator, working behind the scenes to bring Athens closer to Berlin.

According to government sources, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras asked European Council President Donald Tusk to arrange a five-party meeting on the sidelines of an EU summit on Thursday, with the participation of the Greek PM, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President François Hollande, ECB chief Mario Draghi and EC President Jean-Claude Juncker.

The aim of the meeting will be to pave the way for the next critical meetings, including Tsipras’ meeting with Merkel on Monday in Berlin as well as to explore all prospects of a convergence of views.