Following the announcement of a technical agreement between Greece and its lenders, the Socialists and Democrats fear that the deal for a new bailout could be at risk because of new demands by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The president of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella, said:

“We ask the Chancellor to keep the commitment taken at the last European Council and not to bring to the table further conditions, like the full involvement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“Angela Merkel should stick to the commitment instead of using the IMF as an excuse or by using any other diversional tactic.”