Greek Prime Minsiter Alexis Tsipras’ interview on private STAR TV dominated the German press. During the interview, the prime minister refered to the possibility of a referendum and the fact that the time has come for Greece’s European counterparts to admit that the memorandums for Greece had failed. He had also refered to German reparations and the fact that those waving the finger at Greece also have dues to pay.
German tabloit newspaper Bild refered to the interview online by stating that Tsipras believes that “Merkel’s policy for Greece have failed”, however it notes that Tsipras had called German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday “begging” for more financial aid from Europe. The tabloid said that following the “begging” comes the “roar” against Merkel. The newspaper also notes that Tsipras’ “fighting spirit” has disappeared. It described him as “tired, confused and angry.”
Die Zeit dedicated an article to the prime minister’s interview, noting that Tsipras excludes the possibility of new elections and appeared optimistic that a deal would be reached with Athens creditors.
Handelsblatt’s article titled “Tsipras is thinking of a referendum” states that a “referendum” may not be necessary as the Greek prime minister is convinced that there will be an agreement with Greece’s creditors.
Frankfurter Allgemeine states that Tsipras is threatening with a “referendum or austerity program”. The article makes reference to the change in the economic team following acrimony in negotiations and states that this is indication that the Greek government is willing to compromise on the matter of privatizations.
Suddeutsche Zeitung has two articles on Greece. The first is titled “Tsipras puts a referendum in the game” and notes that Tsipras believes that there will be an agreement with the EU on May 9, is examining a referendum and excludes the case of elections.
German magazine Der Spiegel focuses on the interview on its websites, noted that the Greek prime minister states that he has good relations with Merkel but has not changed his opinion on her policies.
