Kedikoglou said the government, formed after a general election last month, was fighting to regain the country's international credibility after Greece repeatedly missed fiscal targets set under bailout agreements.

"For two and a half years, we haven't made any (target). What we are striving to do with structural reforms is to create a simpler and more effective government," Kedikoglou said.

"Greece's course in Europe is at a critical moment ... Greece's priority is to regain credibility."

Shares on the Athens Stock Exchange, meanwhile, were boosted by gains in Europe. Greek banking shares in particular were rallying after the government announced Friday it will sell state-run ATEBank to Piraeus Bank. ATEBank's weak investments will remain under state control.

Piraeus Bank said Monday the deal cost it 116.3 million dollars.

The general index in Athens closed up 2.3 percent, with banking sector shares up nine percent.