Greek political leaders express optimism for economic recovery in New Year messages

Greece's political leadership expressed optimism for economic recovery during 2016 in the New Year messages to Greek people.

"I am confident that in coming months there will be positive developments for Greece," Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos told media during a reception at the Presidential mansion in Athens on Friday.

When shaking hands with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, the Greek President wished him "to be wearing a tie next year." Tsipras has said that he will start wearing a tie once Greece exits the bailouts.

In the summer of 2015 the Leftist Premier agreed to a third three-year bailout to address the six year debt crisis.

Athens hopes that the reform drive will soon start bearing fruits and Greece will overcome the crisis soon.

On his part Tsipras stressed in his New Year message that "2016 will be the year of recovery" for the Greek economy.

Both Pavlopoulos and Tsipras underlined the need for unity to tackle the challenges that lay ahead.

The two leaders also referred to the refugee crisis that tested Greece and Europe in 2015 and seems that will continue to pose a major challenge during 2016.

"We must face this challenge with humanity and solidarity...It is our moral obligation to stand by the side of people forced to flee their countries due to wars," Tsipras said.

Pavlopoulos added that Greece also has "a duty to seek the solidarity of its EU partners to deal with the refugee tragedy, as well as the end of the conflicts, and the defeat of racism, intolerance and fear." Endit