ATHENS: Greece’s government is considering selling stakes in its two largest ports as a concession to reach an agreement with its lenders and unlock bailout funds, a government official said yesterday.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras‘s new leftist government had sought to cancel significant terms of Athens’ bailout program, calling it a “crime” to sell off strategic national assets. But hard-pressed for cash and with its eurozone partners and the International Monetary Fund demanding policy concessions before they agree to release remaining bailout aid, the government has softened its stance.
“The negotiating team wants a deal with lenders and we are willing to sell Piraeus and Thessaloniki ports, 51% stakes,” a government official told reporters. “This has not been decided, but in order to reach a deal, we may do it.”
Earlier this month, Economy Minister George Stathakis said the government had no plans to sell a majority 67% stake in Piraeus Port, but would seek investors for a joint venture with Greece retaining a substantial stake.
