The Greek Drama Continues

Sometimes it seems like the Greek drama will never end. Negotiations go on and on, but none of the sides in them are ever happy with what they are offered. For example, Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem recently warned that “big, big problems” have to be solved before Greece debt deal can be agreed on.

He was talking after a strained meeting between eurozone finance ministers and Greek government officials in the Latvian capital of Riga.
Ministers are trying to agree a deal to help Greece meet its debt repayments.
It must repay its creditors nearly €1bn (£720m) next month, and is struggling to raise the money.
Earlier this week, the government asked its public sector bodies to hand over any reserve cash to help make the payment.
Athens is also keen to secure the next tranche of funds from its main creditors - the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund - totalling €7.2bn.
"It was a very critical discussion," said Mr Dijsselbloem after the talks ended with little sign of progress.
"A comprehensive and detailed list of reforms is needed... and a comprehensive deal is necessary before any disbursement can take place.
"We are all aware that time is running out."
Similar frustrations were expressed by the European Commissioner for the euro, Valdis Dombrovskis.
"Progress in technical negotiations has not been sufficient to reach any conclusion during this Eurogroup here in Riga," he said.
Eurozone ministers are waiting for Athens to present a detailed package of economic reforms to improve the country's finances, which they have made a condition of further support.