The recent statements of SYRIZA member and economist Giannis Tolios on the country’s need to “cease paying interest and amortization installments” have attracted the attention of German media, who continue to downplay the effect a Grexit would have in Europe.

More specifically, in an article published on New Year’s Day on the recent political developments in the country and their possible financial consequences, German Handelsblatt newspaper claims that Greece’s exit from the euro zone would not affect the rest of the continent.

The article, titled “Default-So what?” expresses the view that main opposition SYRIZA is likely to win the upcoming national elections, citing the recent polls that show a lead of leftist SYRIZA over major coalition government partner New Democracy.

The newspaper also comments on the statements made by SYRIZA member and economist Giannis Tolios last week to a Greek newspaper. Mr. Tolios told Action 24 that “unless the biggest chunk of Greece’s debt is written off, the country will not be able to rebound. A development and social clause should be inserted in the repayment agreement. Before this happens, the country must cease to pay interest and amortization installments for a sufficient period of time. There is no other way.”