Draghi sends a memorandum message to government and opposition party

ECB would accept junk bonds from economies such as those of Greece and Cyprus, provided that they were in an economic monitoring program

The announcement of the head of European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, that ECB would accept junk bonds from economies such as those of Greece and Cyprus, provided that they were in an economic monitoring program, astonished Athens.

This statement was interpreted as an intention to continue the strict austerity measures and fiscal control even after the end of memorandum period. And, therefore, questions government’s commitment on Greece’s exit from the memorandum and the troika in the upcoming months.

However, this statement also sends a message to the main opposition party (SYRIZA) that if they count on Europe’s financial assistance, they must consent to a strict policy program.

The Greek government, though, states that this should not perceived as a new memorandum. Instead, it clarifies the obligation of all European countries towards certain rules.

On the other hand, it would be interesting to see how SYRIZA reacts, since party officials rule out the possibility to agree on such an agreement.