Gikas Hardouvelis

If the current government remains in power after the January 25 elections it would negotiate for part of Greece's debt, currently at around 170 percent of GDP, to be transformed from a floating to a fixed rate, Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis said on Monday night.

 Finance minister says there is little risk of a bank run, but political uncertainty may harm recovery

Senior European Central Bank officials said on Friday that the lender will not be buying any Greek bonds this month as part of its expected bond acquisition program and will definitely not have Greece?s debt to Frankfurt restructured, as poll-leading party SYRIZA has championed.

 Minister expects 2015 to cover losses and see prices soar once uncertainty ends in three weeks’ time

Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis expressed on Friday optimism that 2015 will bring considerable gains for the Greek stock market if the country remains committed to consistency and stability. However, he warned that forfeiting obligations will mean a eurozone exit.

Growing optimism among traders and investors that this month’s elections will not result in a leap into the unknown for the economy, reflected also in statements by Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis, gave local stocks fresh impetus on Friday, although turnover remained very low in what was the first session of the new year.

 As confirmation of polls freezes program, creditors consider stretching it beyond end of February

Greek Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis (photo) has issued a call for the country’s members of Parliament to elect a president during today’s crucial vote in the House, while also urging political parties to commit to reforms.

By Yiannis Papadoyiannis & Sotiris Nikas

The state has absorbed liquidity of 11 billion euros through the issue of treasury bills, and there is concern in the market that this amount may well grow further in the coming months so that the state can safeguard its cash reserves.

Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras warned on Monday of the risk of «irreparable damage to the Greek economy» from ongoing political uncertainty and the resulting reduction of liquidity in the market.

Greek 10-year yields fell from near the highest since September 2013 after Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis said a deal with creditors was possible in January if Parliament elects a president this month.

The rate tumbled 34 basis points to 8.81 percent. The rate on three-year bonds declined 87 basis points to 10.26 percent after reaching a record 11.13 percent last Friday.

A potential return of the threat of a Greek eurozone exit would be “a pity,” European Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said Monday during a visit to Athens, the first since he was appointed to his new post last month.