German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble didn’t miss the chance to criticize Greece on its handling of the migrant crisis in an interview with German newspaper Bild am Sonntag. Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) Spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili criticized Schaeuble for his anti-Greek stand while also stating: “Somebody should remind Mr. Schaeuble that Greece is giving a huge battle in favor of humanitarianism within the EU’s borders, and at a time of economic and social crisis created after five years of constant austerity,” she said. “The vast majority of Europeans recognize this. He prefers to verbally lash out against Greece, presumably for his own internal reasons.”

Schaeuble had told Bild that German courts had decided some time ago that refugees were not treated humanely in Greece hence could not be sent back there, contrary to the rules of the Dublin Treaty. “The Greeks should not put the blame for their problems only on others, they should also see how they can do better themselves,” said the German minister who has repeatedly clashed with Greece concerning its economic policy.

Schaeuble softened his line regarding the EU eastern bloc, stating that “solidarity doesn’t start by insulting each other”. He sought to offer a compromise solution with eastern European states that have voiced reluctance in taking in migrants.  “Eastern European states will also have to take in refugees, but fewer than Germany,” he said.  The biggest migration crisis in Europe since World War Two also means that European countries will have to increase spending on the military, according to Schaeuble.