Germany has 56 Billion EUR Exposure to Greece

Greece and its international lenders have embarked on a battle over the country’s staggering debt.
The new Greek government, led by left-wing party Syriza, wants the debt reduced and its terms renegotiated; its creditors are reluctant to forgive any debt, but may be prepared to talk about extending the deadlines for repayment.

Analysts say some sort of restructuring might be necessary. Greek government debt stands at 323 billion euros ($366 billion), over 175% of the country’s GDP.

About 246 billion euros was lent by other countries in the eurozone, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund — otherwise known as the Troika — to prevent Greece collapsing and crashing out of the euro.

Syriza won the election after portraying the Troika as the enemy because of the tough austerity program it imposed on Greece in exchange for its money.

A far bigger chunk, 142 billion euros, came from the eurozone’s bailout fund. Any relief on those loans would have to be agreed by all members. All eurozone countries chipped into the fund but by far the largest contribution — 27% — came from Germany, and it will exert huge influence in negotiations with Greece.

The German government has so far rejected talk of a haircut, which would mean losses for its taxpayers. Germany’s exposure to the bailouts totals 56 billion euros — equivalent to roughly 700 euros per citizen.

via CNN

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