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Merkel in Athens: “I came to take a look into the future”
“I came here to take a look into the future and talk with new people with new ideas,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, right upon her arrival in Athens.
I have to apologize right away, though. It was not a press conference but a live stream from the business forum with the participation of innovative entrepreneurs (Greek startups) and small business owners. And, no, Angela Merkel did not had a crystal ball with her to look into the future. Greek media report that she will meet with four Greek entrepreneurs from the innovative startup sector.
Video: Merkel arrival Athens airport
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Later she will meet with representatives of several institutions and small & medium business owners.
Merkel’s official meeting with Samaras is due at 5:30 p.m., a press conference will follow.
Angela Merkel is expected to announce the launch of Greek-German Investment Fund to will lend a helping hand to small businesses.
At the end of the heavy program Merkel and Samaras will “enjoy dinner in a small taverna in picturesque Plaka with traditional Greek appetizers and lamb chops,” as daily To Vima knew to report.
While the German Chancellor will be looking into the future, opposition parties and unions will be demonstrating, all together packed in Klafthmonos Square, because the police has banned protests from downtown Athens.
Masin Opposition left-wing SYRIZA is to join the protest with banner “No, Thank you!” SYRIZa leader, Alexis Tsipras invited Angela Merkel to visit public hospitals, schools and areas with shut down shops.
But I don’t think the German Chancellor would accept Tsipras’ invitation because then she would have to take a look into the present.
People and vehicles banned from downtown Athens, draconian security measures with 6,000 policemen. (picture via @MakisSinodinos)
Angela Merkel is expected to depart at 9:30 pm. A fact that will cheer Athenians for a simple reason: because police will open again the main roads of the city to the traffic and four metro stations to the public.
List of startups and small & medium business representatives participating in the forum here.
Source: http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2014/04/11/merkel-in-athens-i-came-to-take-a-look-into-the-future/
