Tsipras-Merkel tough talks over short-term bridging loan

Germany places more obstacles for Greece

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had a series of telephone contacts with chief economists on Monday in an effort to gauge Europeans intention considering the bridging loan that Berlin has brought to the fore. Sources state that the Greek leader spoke with European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, French leader Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Hollande and Juncker both pledged that nothing has changed following the agreement reached on July 12, hence there will be no bridging loan.

Sources point to a more difficult conversation with Merkel who is changing the options for Greece by putting a bridging loan on the table. The Greek side had been expecting Germany’s change of course as it had been raised by Germany’s finance ministry spokesman.