Europe welcomes Tsipras victory, says no ‘time to lose’ on reforms

Brussels: The EU on Monday congratulated Alexis Tsipras on his left-wing party’s re-election victory and said Greece has “no time to lose” in implementing the reforms agreed as part of its international bailout.

Mr Tsipras secured his second mandate as Prime Minister this year at a snap general election on Sunday that should allow him to drive through the unpopular reforms under a third rescue package worth up to 86 billion euros ($97 billion).

“The commission congratulates Alexis Tsipras for his victory,” European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said.

The spokesperson recalled that under Mr Tsipras’s previous leadership, Greece already “committed to an ambitious programme of reforms” to revive the country;s economy.