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Greek crisis: Weekend drama looms as talks fail again - as it happened Greek crisis: Weekend drama looms as talks fail again - as it happened
(7 months later)
11.29pm BST11.29pm BST
23:2923:29
Back in Brussels, our Europe editor Ian Traynor reports that the Greek PM got a harsh reception when he asked fellow leaders for support in the ongoing debt talks:Back in Brussels, our Europe editor Ian Traynor reports that the Greek PM got a harsh reception when he asked fellow leaders for support in the ongoing debt talks:
#euco @atsipras try to discuss went badly.merkel+several others shut him up.holland's rutte said if eurozone summit,only on plan B, not deal#euco @atsipras try to discuss went badly.merkel+several others shut him up.holland's rutte said if eurozone summit,only on plan B, not deal
And Britain’s PM made his case for reform, although perhaps not for very long...And Britain’s PM made his case for reform, although perhaps not for very long...
#euco cameron had to wait till almost midnight for his spiel. it was short. sounds perfunctory#euco cameron had to wait till almost midnight for his spiel. it was short. sounds perfunctory
Apparently EU summit dinner has now returned to argument about Med migrants after brief palate cleanser from Cameron on UK negotiation #eucoApparently EU summit dinner has now returned to argument about Med migrants after brief palate cleanser from Cameron on UK negotiation #euco
9.58pm BST9.58pm BST
21:5821:58
Greece makes the front pages again:Greece makes the front pages again:
Όμορφα... pic.twitter.com/ndlOT0IeJoΌμορφα... pic.twitter.com/ndlOT0IeJo
9.54pm BST9.54pm BST
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9.19pm BST9.19pm BST
21:1921:19
Helena SmithHelena Smith
Another sign of optimism:Another sign of optimism:
Alexis Papachelas, probably Greece’s best informed political analyst, has told SKAI News that he thinks “an agreement is very close, very near.”Alexis Papachelas, probably Greece’s best informed political analyst, has told SKAI News that he thinks “an agreement is very close, very near.”
“There is a detectable shift in stance. Under pressure lenders have retreated on several issues,” Syriza’s prominent MEP, Dimitris Papadimoulis told the Guardian.“There is a detectable shift in stance. Under pressure lenders have retreated on several issues,” Syriza’s prominent MEP, Dimitris Papadimoulis told the Guardian.
“We are beginning to see that differences are bridgeable, that an agreement will be reached.”“We are beginning to see that differences are bridgeable, that an agreement will be reached.”
Echoing the German chancellor Angela Merkel, insiders in the leftist led Syriza government said it was vital that Greece cut a deal with the bodies keeping it afloat before markets opened on Monday.Echoing the German chancellor Angela Merkel, insiders in the leftist led Syriza government said it was vital that Greece cut a deal with the bodies keeping it afloat before markets opened on Monday.
The optimism – the first real sign of a thaw in relations between Athens and its creditors at the EU, ECB and IMF – followed extraordinary scenes of brinkmanship in Brussels and outbursts of fury in AthensThe optimism – the first real sign of a thaw in relations between Athens and its creditors at the EU, ECB and IMF – followed extraordinary scenes of brinkmanship in Brussels and outbursts of fury in Athens
Earlier in the day, Papadimoulis, a Syriza moderate, had denounced the tactics of hardliners in the EU and IMF who, he claimed, were deliberately thwarting an agreement with prime minister Alexis Tsipras.Earlier in the day, Papadimoulis, a Syriza moderate, had denounced the tactics of hardliners in the EU and IMF who, he claimed, were deliberately thwarting an agreement with prime minister Alexis Tsipras.
8.50pm BST8.50pm BST
20:5020:50
A spot of optimism:A spot of optimism:
#Greece aid deal on Saturday is 'quite possible', Greek Official says acc to BBG.#Greece aid deal on Saturday is 'quite possible', Greek Official says acc to BBG.
8.47pm BST8.47pm BST
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Greek anti-capitalists vow to fight new dealGreek anti-capitalists vow to fight new deal
Helena SmithHelena Smith
Over in Athens, Greeks who are far to the left of the ruling Syriza party, have pledged to step up protests against the government over concessions it appears willing to make to cut a deal. Some of the thousands who marched through the streets of Athens tonight belong to the ultra radical anti-capitalist Antarsia group, a collection of far far left groups that make Syriza look centrist. Holding banners demanding that Greece leaves the European Union and writes off its monument debt, protestors gathered at Athens university campus before marching on parliament.Over in Athens, Greeks who are far to the left of the ruling Syriza party, have pledged to step up protests against the government over concessions it appears willing to make to cut a deal. Some of the thousands who marched through the streets of Athens tonight belong to the ultra radical anti-capitalist Antarsia group, a collection of far far left groups that make Syriza look centrist. Holding banners demanding that Greece leaves the European Union and writes off its monument debt, protestors gathered at Athens university campus before marching on parliament.
The radicals, who are gaining in popularity and may well prove to be a headache for the government, have pledged to step up protests and strikes in the event that Tsipras reaches a deal with the EU, ECB and IMF that they have already denounced as a “new memorandum.” Seamen aligned with the group have announced they will go on strike on Tuesday and said they will bring all ships/ferries to a grinding halt on the 1 and 2nd of July. If a deal is reached, activists say they want to stop it being brought before the 300-seat House where creditors have demanded it be ratified. “If it is signed and passed by parliament we will stage protests and strikes to ensure it is not put into effect,” Stamatis Hadzidimou, an activist with the socialist workers’ party, told me.The radicals, who are gaining in popularity and may well prove to be a headache for the government, have pledged to step up protests and strikes in the event that Tsipras reaches a deal with the EU, ECB and IMF that they have already denounced as a “new memorandum.” Seamen aligned with the group have announced they will go on strike on Tuesday and said they will bring all ships/ferries to a grinding halt on the 1 and 2nd of July. If a deal is reached, activists say they want to stop it being brought before the 300-seat House where creditors have demanded it be ratified. “If it is signed and passed by parliament we will stage protests and strikes to ensure it is not put into effect,” Stamatis Hadzidimou, an activist with the socialist workers’ party, told me.
“If it is not passed and the country goes bust, we will also stage protests and strikes to ensure that capitalists don’t start closing enterprises and laying off people. There is going to be unrest.”“If it is not passed and the country goes bust, we will also stage protests and strikes to ensure that capitalists don’t start closing enterprises and laying off people. There is going to be unrest.”
8.14pm BST8.14pm BST
20:1420:14
More on that Tsipras-Tusk clash:More on that Tsipras-Tusk clash:
Greek gov source: @eucopresident told @tsipras_eu 'game over' + Tsipras said not to underestimate the point nation can reach when humiliatedGreek gov source: @eucopresident told @tsipras_eu 'game over' + Tsipras said not to underestimate the point nation can reach when humiliated
7.55pm BST7.55pm BST
19:5519:55
Some intriguing reports coming out of Brussels, where leaders have discussed Greece’s bailout.Some intriguing reports coming out of Brussels, where leaders have discussed Greece’s bailout.
According to a Greek official, Tsipras told leaders they must respect January’s election result..... And was then challenged by Donald Tusk:According to a Greek official, Tsipras told leaders they must respect January’s election result..... And was then challenged by Donald Tusk:
Greek official says Tusk told Tsipras at EU summit 'game over' --BBGGreek official says Tusk told Tsipras at EU summit 'game over' --BBG
Tsipras’s call for another leaders’ meeting is being rebuffed too....Tsipras’s call for another leaders’ meeting is being rebuffed too....
"No #eurozone summit today, no eurozone summit tomorrow," says rather definitive #EU official. #Greece"No #eurozone summit today, no eurozone summit tomorrow," says rather definitive #EU official. #Greece
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.03pm BSTat 8.03pm BST
7.33pm BST7.33pm BST
19:3319:33
Costas Lapavitsas, a Syriza MP, has made a new call for Greece to break away from the Eurozone, following the rejection of Athens’ compromise proposal.Costas Lapavitsas, a Syriza MP, has made a new call for Greece to break away from the Eurozone, following the rejection of Athens’ compromise proposal.
Writing in the Guardian, Lapavistas said an influential group of Syriza’s MPs would soon make an “intervention”:Writing in the Guardian, Lapavistas said an influential group of Syriza’s MPs would soon make an “intervention”:
#Greece Lapavitsas: "a significant intervention by the Left Platform expected" on €xit http://t.co/uXxxhctXFS pic.twitter.com/IQowskfPl7#Greece Lapavitsas: "a significant intervention by the Left Platform expected" on €xit http://t.co/uXxxhctXFS pic.twitter.com/IQowskfPl7
6.31pm BST6.31pm BST
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Thursday night in Athens. pic.twitter.com/eomUST7pW3Thursday night in Athens. pic.twitter.com/eomUST7pW3
6.28pm BST6.28pm BST
18:2818:28
Could be another lively evening in Athens too:Could be another lively evening in Athens too:
Riot police, Communists and breakdancers: all within yards of each other on Syntagma Sq Athens #Greece pic.twitter.com/vXb4jeYIIYRiot police, Communists and breakdancers: all within yards of each other on Syntagma Sq Athens #Greece pic.twitter.com/vXb4jeYIIY
6.21pm BST6.21pm BST
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Afternoon Summary: Heading into a crunch weekendAfternoon Summary: Heading into a crunch weekend
So, where do we stand in the Greek crisis?So, where do we stand in the Greek crisis?
Greece and its creditors are still divided, with less than six days until its bailout programme expires.Greece and its creditors are still divided, with less than six days until its bailout programme expires.
Another of frenzied diplomatic activity, starting at dawn, has again failed to reach agreement on the economic measures Greece must take to obtain €7.2bn of bailout funds before Wednesday morning.Another of frenzied diplomatic activity, starting at dawn, has again failed to reach agreement on the economic measures Greece must take to obtain €7.2bn of bailout funds before Wednesday morning.
Talks between Alexis Tsipras, Christine Lagarde, Mario Draghi and Jean-Claude Juncker foundered again this morning, after the quartet had already talked past midnight.Talks between Alexis Tsipras, Christine Lagarde, Mario Draghi and Jean-Claude Juncker foundered again this morning, after the quartet had already talked past midnight.
That prompted the creditors to slap Tsipras with an ultimatum, and then draw up their own new proposal, which gave some ground on pension reforms and VAT, but still crosses some of Athens’ Red Lines. [see the full leak and early reaction here]That prompted the creditors to slap Tsipras with an ultimatum, and then draw up their own new proposal, which gave some ground on pension reforms and VAT, but still crosses some of Athens’ Red Lines. [see the full leak and early reaction here]
Leaked creditors' bail-out plan for Greece - not quite take it or leave it but close #Grexit http://t.co/g2Eud9fepF http://t.co/eCiHsdhQQjLeaked creditors' bail-out plan for Greece - not quite take it or leave it but close #Grexit http://t.co/g2Eud9fepF http://t.co/eCiHsdhQQj
It wasn’t good enough for the Greek side, which swiftly produced its own counter-proposal.It wasn’t good enough for the Greek side, which swiftly produced its own counter-proposal.
The resulting mash-up was discussed by eurozone finance ministers at their fourth gathering in a week (photos here), but they couldn’t find common ground.The resulting mash-up was discussed by eurozone finance ministers at their fourth gathering in a week (photos here), but they couldn’t find common ground.
Their meeting broke up this afternoon, dashing any lingering hopes of a deal tonight.Their meeting broke up this afternoon, dashing any lingering hopes of a deal tonight.
And according to Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, some finance ministers aren’t happy with the latest proposal from creditors.And according to Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, some finance ministers aren’t happy with the latest proposal from creditors.
So the issue is currently sitting in the lap of EU leaders, at their summit tonight.So the issue is currently sitting in the lap of EU leaders, at their summit tonight.
Leaders are officially discussing Europe’s migration crisis, and Britain’s reform demands, but the Greece issue will surely be aired?Leaders are officially discussing Europe’s migration crisis, and Britain’s reform demands, but the Greece issue will surely be aired?
Alexis Tsipras, indeed, is pushing for a eurozone leaders summit tonight:Alexis Tsipras, indeed, is pushing for a eurozone leaders summit tonight:
Still talk of a #eurozone leaders summit tonite. @atsipras wants it discussed at heads, official tells me. #GreeceStill talk of a #eurozone leaders summit tonite. @atsipras wants it discussed at heads, official tells me. #Greece
Going into the summit, Tsipras told reporters that there will be a compromise, but one based on HIS proposals:Going into the summit, Tsipras told reporters that there will be a compromise, but one based on HIS proposals:
So after the comprehensive Greek proposals, I am confident that we will reach a compromise that will help the eurozone and Greece to overcome the crisis.So after the comprehensive Greek proposals, I am confident that we will reach a compromise that will help the eurozone and Greece to overcome the crisis.
And Donald Tusk also put on his best brave face, saying:And Donald Tusk also put on his best brave face, saying:
The last hours have been really critical, but I have a good hunch that unlike in Sophocles’ tragedies, this Greek story will have a happy ending.The last hours have been really critical, but I have a good hunch that unlike in Sophocles’ tragedies, this Greek story will have a happy ending.
But right now, Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem sounds downbeat. Here’s his statement:But right now, Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem sounds downbeat. Here’s his statement:
The Eurogroup has finished.The Eurogroup has finished.
The institutions informed us about their intensive negotiations with the Greek government. We agreed that they will do an assessment of the last Greek proposals, because they came in very late today, just before the Eurogroup meeting.The institutions informed us about their intensive negotiations with the Greek government. We agreed that they will do an assessment of the last Greek proposals, because they came in very late today, just before the Eurogroup meeting.
The institutions informed us that on a number of issues there is still a wide gap with the Greek authorities. In the meantime, the door is still open for the Greek authorities to accept the proposals tabled by the institutions.The institutions informed us that on a number of issues there is still a wide gap with the Greek authorities. In the meantime, the door is still open for the Greek authorities to accept the proposals tabled by the institutions.
Now, I will inform the Heads of State or Government on the state of play. The Eurogroup will probably reconvene on Saturday to take stock of the situation.Now, I will inform the Heads of State or Government on the state of play. The Eurogroup will probably reconvene on Saturday to take stock of the situation.
"The #Eurogroup will PROBABLY reconvene on Saturday to take stock of the situation." Most downbeat sentence ever? http://t.co/poq9at3PSo"The #Eurogroup will PROBABLY reconvene on Saturday to take stock of the situation." Most downbeat sentence ever? http://t.co/poq9at3PSo
.@J_Dijsselbloem: The door is still open for the Greek authorities to accept proposals tabled by institutions (meaning: that´s all folks).@J_Dijsselbloem: The door is still open for the Greek authorities to accept proposals tabled by institutions (meaning: that´s all folks)
But with a series of Greek MPs slamming the creditors and refusing to be “blackmailed”, it isn’t easy to see how Tsipras could push the institutions’ plan through the Athens parliament....But with a series of Greek MPs slamming the creditors and refusing to be “blackmailed”, it isn’t easy to see how Tsipras could push the institutions’ plan through the Athens parliament....
6.00pm BST6.00pm BST
18:0018:00
An anti-austerity demonstration is taking place outside the Commission now, in another sign that tensions are building around the Greek crisis.An anti-austerity demonstration is taking place outside the Commission now, in another sign that tensions are building around the Greek crisis.
That’s via AFP’s Danny Kemp:That’s via AFP’s Danny Kemp:
Anti Troika protest at EU summit #Greece https://t.co/XW3F9hJKctAnti Troika protest at EU summit #Greece https://t.co/XW3F9hJKct
5.38pm BST5.38pm BST
17:3817:38
How did today’s deadlock rock the markets?How did today’s deadlock rock the markets?
Well, it didn’t. The Athens exchange finished the day ever-so-slightly higher, up 0.1%. And the main European markets were fairly calm too:Well, it didn’t. The Athens exchange finished the day ever-so-slightly higher, up 0.1%. And the main European markets were fairly calm too:
That’s partly because traders believe a deal will be done....and partly because they (like the rest of you?) are weary of the whole process.That’s partly because traders believe a deal will be done....and partly because they (like the rest of you?) are weary of the whole process.
Tony Cross of Trustnet Direct captures the mood:Tony Cross of Trustnet Direct captures the mood:
My dad had a Ford Cortina back in the 1980s which was perennially in the garage having something or other done to it in an attempt cure one of its many ailments, yet while it chugged along, stalled and broke down on many times it did so on fewer occasions than Greece’s current debt bailout talks.My dad had a Ford Cortina back in the 1980s which was perennially in the garage having something or other done to it in an attempt cure one of its many ailments, yet while it chugged along, stalled and broke down on many times it did so on fewer occasions than Greece’s current debt bailout talks.
And as European leaders headed in and out of yet another summit it seems that deal is looking as far away as ever.And as European leaders headed in and out of yet another summit it seems that deal is looking as far away as ever.
5.13pm BST5.13pm BST
17:1317:13
Our Europe editor hears that if the Eurogroup meet on Saturday morning, and if they agree a deal, then the Greek parliament could then begin debating it on the Sunday.Our Europe editor hears that if the Eurogroup meet on Saturday morning, and if they agree a deal, then the Greek parliament could then begin debating it on the Sunday.
And if Athens MPs do sign up to the plan (not a given), then the Bundestag could give its approval early next week too.And if Athens MPs do sign up to the plan (not a given), then the Bundestag could give its approval early next week too.
#grexit eurogroup prob saturday, not friday, deal to gk parlt sunday, to bundestag monday. if it works#grexit eurogroup prob saturday, not friday, deal to gk parlt sunday, to bundestag monday. if it works
But what about €1.6bn IMF repayment that Greece faces on Tuesday?But what about €1.6bn IMF repayment that Greece faces on Tuesday?
Well, Ian reports, that could be paid out of the profits which the ECB has made on its Greek bond holdings.Well, Ian reports, that could be paid out of the profits which the ECB has made on its Greek bond holdings.
#grexit imf payment tuesday could be facilitated by smp profits - eu official#grexit imf payment tuesday could be facilitated by smp profits - eu official
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.23pm BSTat 5.23pm BST
4.59pm BST4.59pm BST
16:5916:59
There’s a sudden flurry of activity in the Commission as Yanis Varoufakis appears in the press area, apparently after briefing Alexis Tsipras about the eurogroup meeting.There’s a sudden flurry of activity in the Commission as Yanis Varoufakis appears in the press area, apparently after briefing Alexis Tsipras about the eurogroup meeting.
Reporters flock around the finance minister, like moths to a particularly bright candle:Reporters flock around the finance minister, like moths to a particularly bright candle:
Es por una estrella de rock? No...es por Varoufakis saliendo del Consejo atravesando toda la sala de prensa. pic.twitter.com/ojvZF46gK8Es por una estrella de rock? No...es por Varoufakis saliendo del Consejo atravesando toda la sala de prensa. pic.twitter.com/ojvZF46gK8
#euco Varoufakis provoque quasiment une émeute en traversant la salle de presse pic.twitter.com/knYYjnkJRJ#euco Varoufakis provoque quasiment une émeute en traversant la salle de presse pic.twitter.com/knYYjnkJRJ
There are VIP exits, Yanis! (maybe he should brush up on the special badge system)There are VIP exits, Yanis! (maybe he should brush up on the special badge system)
Greek finance minister @yanisvaroufakis leaving the house, the EU summit, with rucksack, after talking to Tsipras pic.twitter.com/NhDjrxvKJ6Greek finance minister @yanisvaroufakis leaving the house, the EU summit, with rucksack, after talking to Tsipras pic.twitter.com/NhDjrxvKJ6
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.15pm BSTat 5.15pm BST
4.51pm BST4.51pm BST
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And here’s a reminder of how we got to this point:And here’s a reminder of how we got to this point:
Related: Greek debt crisis: the 20 key moments
4.49pm BST4.49pm BST
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If you look carefully at photos from today’s European Council summit you can see that the leaders are wearing little pins.If you look carefully at photos from today’s European Council summit you can see that the leaders are wearing little pins.
They’re the pinnacle of an extremely complicated hierarchy that determine who can go where on these occasions.They’re the pinnacle of an extremely complicated hierarchy that determine who can go where on these occasions.
My colleagues Alberto Nardelli and George Arnett explain:My colleagues Alberto Nardelli and George Arnett explain:
If you’re lucky enough to have gold, and thus access to the 80th floor, there’s the VIP dinner – one feature of which is that there is no note-taking. A tighter confidentiality regime applies on this floor of the building, and this is where, on Thursday evening, Cameron will lay out his plans for renegotiating the terms of Britain’s membership of the EU.If you’re lucky enough to have gold, and thus access to the 80th floor, there’s the VIP dinner – one feature of which is that there is no note-taking. A tighter confidentiality regime applies on this floor of the building, and this is where, on Thursday evening, Cameron will lay out his plans for renegotiating the terms of Britain’s membership of the EU.
Ambassadors and their “antici” (jargon for powerful assistant and scribe) have red badges. One peculiarity of the Euco system is that note-taking during meetings often takes place in a separate room.Ambassadors and their “antici” (jargon for powerful assistant and scribe) have red badges. One peculiarity of the Euco system is that note-taking during meetings often takes place in a separate room.
A level below these are the blue and grey badges used by delegation members and admin personnel. They spend most of their time on the “50th floor”, which includes meeting rooms, delegation rooms and the presidency room.A level below these are the blue and grey badges used by delegation members and admin personnel. They spend most of their time on the “50th floor”, which includes meeting rooms, delegation rooms and the presidency room.
After that it gets more complicated. Alongside the regular badges each country delegation also gets a number of floaters. These work like the “power-up mushroom” in Super Mario Bros: participants with a floater are temporarily of bigger status until the floater is taken away from them.....After that it gets more complicated. Alongside the regular badges each country delegation also gets a number of floaters. These work like the “power-up mushroom” in Super Mario Bros: participants with a floater are temporarily of bigger status until the floater is taken away from them.....
Learn more here (including why there isn’t really an 80th floor)Learn more here (including why there isn’t really an 80th floor)
Super Mario Bros meets House of Cards: the European Council's dizzyingly complex badge system http://t.co/C10MlvmW14 pic.twitter.com/DZwJ4LQEuRSuper Mario Bros meets House of Cards: the European Council's dizzyingly complex badge system http://t.co/C10MlvmW14 pic.twitter.com/DZwJ4LQEuR