By Andrea Thomas
BERLIN--German Economics Minister Sigmar Gabriel Wednesday ruled
out forgiving Greek debt and called on the new government in Athens
to be open to fair talks and meet conditions for aid programs.
The new government of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has
caused concern in Europe with its call to seek changes to the
strict bailout regime imposed on Greece by its international
creditors.
"I can't imagine a debt relief," said Mr. Gabriel. He also
stressed that Germany wants to keep Greece in the eurozone and the
new Greek government now has a big opportunity to fight corruption
and tax evasion in a more credible way than previous governments
have.
Germany and other eurozone countries will continue to provide
financial solidarity towards Greece, but Athens must also meet the
terms of previous bailout agreements in return, he said.
"Fairness and solidarity must be provided from both sides," he
said. "It's not possible that things that don't get tackled in
Greece will be paid for by people elsewhere. I can't explain to any
German employee that taxpayers in other countries will pay for
this."
The comments come after the new Greek government gave up plans
to privatize a Greek port and said it would spend more on wages.
Mr. Gabriel said Greece will have to raise the money elsewhere and
can't expect other eurozone countries to make good for lower
revenues or higher spending.
Greece has received two successive international bailouts since
2010 worth a total of 240 billion euros ($271 billion). About 60%
of Greece's government debt is owned by eurozone countries.
Write to Andrea Thomas at andrea.thomas@wsj.com