German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble did not miss the chance for a last minute intervention aiming to influence the Euro Working Group meeting today to evaluate whether the Christmas bonus for low-pensioners is compatible with the creditors’ commandments. The German Finance Minister warned that such measures as the Chrsitmas bonus could indirectly bring down the eurozone.

Asked about Greece’s plans to pay pensioners a Christmas bonus while it is in the midst of a bailout program, Schaeuble told Die Zeit paper that the eurozone would fall apart if countries did not stick to the rules.

Schaeuble, who has long taken a tough line on Greece, said the European Commission, International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Central Bank and the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) rescue fund had been asked for their view as to whether the step conformed to its obligations.

“The initial answer is no. If we don’t stick to the rules, the eurozone will fall apart,” he told Die Zeit, adding that the construction of the currency union had to be changed. (via Reuters)