IMF confirms receipt of new Greek loan request

The International Monetary Fund has confirmed that it has received a letter from Greece requesting a new loan, confirming a statement from the Greek finance ministry in which it announced that it had submitted a formal request.

The Greek government had not wanted to ask for more assistance from the IMF, with whom it already has an aid programme, which expires in early 2016.

Previously, Greece had asked for financial assistance from the eurozone’s bailout fund.

Yesterday, Greek political party leaders promised to work together after months of intense disagreements during preparations for talks on a new bailout worth up to 86 billion euros, which have since been delayed.

The disagreement was alleged to have stemmed on diverging views on where members of the so-called troika will stay due to serious security concerns. The harsh austerity measures imposed on Greece has fuelled discontent and fears of attack on representatives of the troika.

However, differences of opinion over the reforms are also thought to have contributed to the delay.

Greece has accepted the creditors’ terms and its parliament has approved two packages of reforms, including tax rises and an overhaul of the pension system.