Tsipras-Lagarde meeting dubbed “good”, but Greece needs more reforms

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with IMF Chief Christine Lagarde on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum at Davos. A source says that the meeting was “good”. The meeting was followed by a statement, issued by the IMF. The announcement reiterates Greece’s need for debt relief:

“The managing director reiterated that the IMF stands ready to continue to support Greece in achieving robust economic growth and sustainable public finances through a credible and comprehensive medium-term economic program.

Such a program would require strong economic policies, not least pension reforms as well as significant debt relief from Greece’s European partners to ensure that debt is on a sustainable downward trajectory.”

The Greek side also said that the talks were “sincere”. During the meeting, Tsipras had a chance to underline that the time is a critical parameter for the successful conclusions of the Greek program and the first review, according to the Greek briefing paper on the talks. Furthermore, the same paper said that an agreement was made between the two leaders to ensure that there is “direct ommunciation” between the Greek government and the IMF to ensure that there is a clear view of each other’s positions.