German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Greece to reduce the number of employees on public-sector payrolls, echoing a recent call by Greece’s international creditors to hasten cuts to public administration.
“Greece is still facing difficult times because the reduction of employment in the public sector is a topic that needs to be solved,” Merkel said in a joint press conference with Slovenian Prime Minister Alenka Bratusek after a Friday meeting of the two leaders in Berlin.
The chancellor acknowledged that such action will require “major political effort” and wished the Greek government success in its endeavors.
“Greece still faces many problems,” Merkel said, despite the country’s “incredible efforts” towards reform.
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble is scheduled to travel to Athens next Thursday.
Source: Capital.gr
