Alexis Tsipras: Bailout the only way out

Greece must implement its bailout programme fast to achieve its main aim of regaining access to market financing and escaping international supervision, re-elected leftist prime minister Alexis Tsipras has said.

Speaking to lawmakers of his Syriza party on the day a new parliament was sworn in, the premier said he aimed to complete the first review of an €86bn bailout agreed in August, as soon as possible so Athens could open negotiations with its eurozone partners on debt relief.

“Implementing the bailout is not going to be easy. But we are obliged to make these decisions although we don’t like them,” Tsipras said.