SAMARAS 'TRYING TO WIN BACK CREDIBILITY'.

In less than three months, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Greek Premier Antonis Samaras have made two public appearances side by side in their respective countries. "We are trying to win back credibility, on the part of the people of Europe and on the part of the markets," Samaras said before entering the Chancellery in Berlin, on 8 January. The Greek prime minister underlined that his country is undertaking "great efforts that are linked with great sacrifices to get things back on track".

Before the summer of 2012, the Greek government's pro-EU stance was under threat - and an exit from the euro was seriously discussed - when the radical left party Syriza started rising in the polls ahead of the general elections in...