German conservative says "Grexit" best solution for all
[BERLIN] One of the leading figures in Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), pleaded on Tuesday for an"orderly" exit of Greece from the eurozone, saying it was the best option for all concerned.
The comments from Markus Soeder, regional finance minister of the Bavarian CSU, underscore the depth of frustration with Greece in Ms Merkel's conservative camp and how difficult it would be for her to reverse course and offer Athens new concessions to keep them in the euro.
Although the CSU has taken a tougher line on Greece than Ms Merkel's own party, the Christian Democrats (CDU), the conservative backlash against Athens has broadened since Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras broke off bailout talks last week and called a referendum.
Greece is widely expected to miss a 1.6 billion euro payment to the IMF on Tuesday, effectively putting them in default.
Mr Soeder told Deutschlandfunk radio that an "orderly, judicious and considered exit plan would be the best path for both sides", sharply criticising Mr Tsipras for playing with Europe and his own people.
If Mr Tsipras remains in office, Mr Soeder said a so-called "Grexit" appeared "unavoidable". Even if Greeks vote in favour of a bailout in the referendum, which is scheduled for Sunday, Mr Soeder argued against making any more concessions to Athens.
REUTERS
Read more on the Greek crisis here
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Deflation reaches UK stores as non-food prices fall 0.6%
Japan’s March factory output rises 3.8% vs month earlier
Hong Kong vies with US in Bitcoin ETF market after crypto’s revival
More UK companies plan price rises but wage expectations cool: Lloyds
Campaigning EU chief von der Leyen defends record during debate
Israel concerned over possible ICC arrest warrants related to Gaza war