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Greece is currently grappling with an especially unique and grave situation, the depth of which has hardly been revealed by the outcome of last weekend's inconclusive parliamentary election, according to Finnish President Sauli Niinistö.
Commenting on deadlocked government formation talks, Niinistö said that more than the current financial crisis, Greek is facing a crisis of society.
"It's as if confidence in this kind of traditional democracy is beginning to founder. This is what the election outcome tells us," Niinistö said.
He hoped however, that the new government would take the bull by the horns.
"It could be that there big growing pains ahead," Niinistö added.
Not much room for economic maneuvering in France
In spite of election promises by French president-elect Francois Hollande to re-focus the euro agenda, Niinistö said he doesn't think that Hollande will have any significant influence on the European economic programme.
He noted that France does not have much room to maneuver on economic matters, particularly in light of its credit rating.
"There won't be much movement. I think, and I believe, that Hollande will come to have a very serious view of the situation," the president explained.
Niinistö said that the outcome of the French election Sunday hinged mostly on personality.
"At least they seemed to think that Sarkozy had better policies, but he suffered because of his behaviour or his image," Niinistö declared.
Yle