Germans angry at Greek bid to extend cutbacks

Documents leaked over the past few days show that the Greek government is looking for a two-year extension on the €11.5bn fiscal consolidation programme it agreed with the EU and IMF over 2013 and 2014.

German government officials have reacted angrily to the proposal, which has promoted speculation that a showdown is looming between Athens and Berlin that may see Greece depart the eurozone over the next few months.

The European Commission says it is not its policy to comment on leaked reports. However, a source close to the commission in Brussels says the next troika mission is not scheduled for Greece until September.