Prime Minister’s Statement

PRESS OFFICE PRIME MINISTER
Athens, 27th May, 2011

The critical situation that our country is facing, together with the negotiations underway in the European Union, made today’s meeting between the leaders of the political parties, chaired by the President of the Hellenic Republic, an urgent imperative.

I tabled a series of concrete proposals to address real and pressing issues.  I asked them to respond with clear solutions to these problems.

The Greek people called upon me to change this country, with their support. We are all in this together.

At the same time, I have been dealing with the unprecedented debt crisis we inherited.

Right from the start of this effort, I have stressed the importance of collaboration and done my utmost to engage all parties .

I genuinely believe in collaboration.

First, because now is not the time for conventional opposition politics.

Now is not the time for superficial politicking.

Secondly, because in this Herculean effort we will be stronger and will succeed faster if we work together in a spirit of national solidarity.

It is one thing for the Government to fight with a broader consensus, and another thing for the government to be systematically attacked for reasons of petty politics.

Thirdly, because right now Greece needs to demonstrate the broadest possible unity, decisiveness and seriousness to the rest of the world.

We must show that we can be different, without being enemies.

We must show that the national interest is what unites us.

The good of our country is what unites the Greek people.

This is the only way we can silence and inspire confidence in all those who doubt Greece’s ability to change.

More specifically, I proposed that we work together on a number of common issues.

First of all, to work together for the deep changes that our society so badly wants.  I proposed that we respond to the demands of our citizens to change a political and economic system where graft and self-interest had prevailed. Today, we are all paying a terribly high price for these mistakes of the past.

Secondly, I proposed that we establish common positions in negotiations with our partners in order to achieve a better national outcome.

Thirdly, even on those issues where we have reservations or differences of opinion, I proposed that we negotiate with our international partners from a common national position so that we have the most convincing chance of success.  For example, I asked for the issue of taxation to be the subject of common negotiations with our creditors.

Fourthly, I talked about the critical importance of maintaining social cohesion and stability in our country.

Fifthly, I reminded everybody that even before the elections I had declared that I was open to collaboration with other parties, even if we gained a majority in Parliament.

I still hold this view and I am still open to collaboration with forces in order to achieve our common objectives. I explained that within the limits and constraints imposed by external conditions, I am open to any proposals. As long as these proposals do not lead us off the primary target we have set:  which is to lead our country out of this crisis.

I invited everybody to agree on the following six basic points:

First, to respond to the immediate and critical problem of our national debt and deficits, in collaboration with our partners. This is essential in order to draw a line once and for all under the speculation and doomsday scenarios about Greece leaving the Euro.

Secondly, for us to all agree that we must bring our deficit under control and move to a primary surplus in 2012.

Thirdly, for us all to take the courageous decision to tackle the ineffectual, counter-productive, clientelistic and bloated state sector, which our country cannot afford to sustain any longer.

Fourthly, for us to press ahead with bold privatisation plans so that we can at last make optimum use of public assets that have been under-used and under-valued.

I also explained categorically that national elections will be held in 2013.

That is when we will be judged, when we will all be judged.

The people of this nation have supported this national effort, and I have asked all the political parties to do the same.

The efforts we have made so far have kept this country on its feet.

We have achieved extraordinary results in record time.  We have reduced our deficit by 5% of GDP in a single year – a record in Europe – and even increased our exports considerably.

I called on everybody not to negate these successes, which are a major feat of the Greek people.  It is unjust to the people who have made so many sacrifices and it will only give ammunition to those who are betting on our failure.  We also reduce our bargaining power – jeopardising the credibility of our country, which is only now being regained.

We must not lose heart when the battle is already half-won.

We must show that we are taking decisions that guarantee a safe exit from the crisis, even if the path to stability is a painful one.

I explained to the political leaders that we must send out a clear message of unity and solidarity.

After today’s meeting, I still believe that in essence there are many issues upon which we can agree. There is still a lot of scope for developing common positions.

However, consensus calls for real political, in order to transcend conventional political party reflexes.

This will be proven in practice.

The seriousness of the situation demands courageous action by all.

I have stated that I am open to further consultations if they are conducive to the national effort.

In any event, I categorically state that the government is responsible for lifting the country out of this crisis, with the support and participation of the Greek people. We are honouring this responsibility to the full.

With or without political consensus, we are doing whatever is necessary to protect Greece.

We must ensure that our country has access to funding, both now and in the future.

We must continue with the major political and economic reforms that were long overdue and which are now underway.

Over the next few days, we will complete the required negotiations, we will take all the necessary decisions to ensure our nation’s future security, without taking any account of the political cost.

But we will also continue to pursue our efforts to bring about greater national understanding and consensus for the good of the country.

We have just one objective: To save our nation, and to change it fundamentally.

This is the objective I have served until now, and this is the objective I serve today.