European Stability Mechanism head rules out haircut for Greek debt

[TOKYO] The head of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) on Tuesday ruled out a haircut for Greek debt but said extending debt maturities and deferring interest are options that officials could use to make Greece's debt more manageable.

Klaus Regling, managing director of the ESM, also said Greece must complete the first review of its progress on structural reforms before deciding on how to restructure its sovereign debt.

Reforming the ailing pension system is a prerequisite for the conclusion of the first review of Greece's 86 billion euro bailout agreed in July last year, but the plan is likely to be painful because some Greek citizens will have to give up future entitlements, Mr Regling said. "The first review needs to be completed first, and that may take two months," he said. "There will be no haircuts. One can think about lengthening maturities and interest deferrals."

European officials may also consider steps to help Greece deal with an increase in debt servicing needs expected in 2022, Mr Regling said.

The ESM, which has the power to lend to euro zone members and offer other financial assistance, owns around 45 per cent of Greek debt and is at the centre of efforts to put the country's sovereign debt crisis behind it.

Greece's mountain of debt is expected to reach 187.8 per cent of annual gross domestic product this year.

Greece has drafted a proposal to merge its six pension funds into one and possibly cut future main pensions by up to 30 per cent. It plans to hold a vote on it in early February.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's government has a parliamentary majority of just three seats and the reform, which opposition parties and many pensioners and workers oppose, will test its resolve to implement actions agreed with international creditors.

REUTERS