Media reports: ‘Juncker compromise’ aims to break deadlock in Athens, creditors talks

Meanwhile, Bundesbank on Monday said Greece threatened with bankruptcy due to mishandling by SYRIZA government

EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has reportedly drafted a compromise deal to break a deadlock between institutional lenders and the increasingly bewildered radical leftist government in Athens, although the latter indirectly replied on Monday that it was unaware of such an initiative. According to local reports, the “Juncker plan” eyes a reduction in creditors-imposed budget targets, pushing back economic reforms to the autumn and releasing bailout funds (roughly 5 bln euros) to prevent any Grecian summer “credit incident”. Targets for a primary budget surplus fall to 0.75 percent of GDP for 2015; 2 percent in 2016; 3.5 percent for 2017 and 3.5 percent in 2018. Nevertheless, the compromise – as reported by tovima.gr — reportedly keeps a property tax in place and envisions continued labour sector liberalization, such as mass layoffs in case of loss-making businesses’ restructuring. The memo also cited IMF concerns and the possibility that the Fund will not participate in the next bailout tranche. Meanwhile, Bundesbank on Monday released a monthly report stating that Greece is seriously threatened with bankruptcy, while emphasizing that without substantial reforms a viable solution is unattainable. Germany’s central bank also didn’t hide its acerbic criticism of the radical leftist Greek government, saying its stance and tactics over the past four months threatened Greece’s ability to repay international creditors. Back in Athens, finance ministry sources said they were unaware of the document attributed to Juncker, when asked by protothema.gr “Can’t confirm media reports on @EU_Commission /Juncker proposal on GR. Not aware of such proposal. Working towards comprehensive deal,” was the Tweet response by Commission spokeswoman Annika Breidthard.