Prime Minister’s statement
PRIME MINISTER
PRESS OFFICE
Athens, June 10, 2011
Yesterday, the Cabinet unanimously approved the Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy.
This mid-term plan is part of our comprehensive economic policy, but includes some important changes to ensure Greece’s economic stability now and in the years to come.
This plan was not simply produced by bureaucratic procedures. It is the result of systematic deliberations and cooperation with other political parties, with the Parliamentary Group of PASOK, and other social partners.
It includes major changes on all fronts. To the political system, to the education system, and to local government so that we can build a state that functions more effectively. Changes to the welfare system, to support the weakest, most vulnerable citizens, and the unemployed. Changes to our development strategy, so that we can move to a new production model and liberate the dynamic forces that will make our country competitive again.
I am open to any constructive proposals to improve the implementation of this bill, both before and after it is put to the vote in Parliament. Any responsible proposals that will distribute the burdens of this crisis or the benefits of future economic growth even more justly, so that those who have the means to help our country back on its feet shoulder the greatest responsibility. Any smart proposals that will give renewed momentum to investment and development. Any effective proposals that will make even better use of our national resources and tax revenues. As long as these proposals are viable and will help us to achieve our goal of putting our economy and governance structures in order, within the context and constraints of our international obligations.
I call once more on all political parties to cooperate with us. There are many important areas on which we agree. With national solidarity, we can negotiate with our partners with a single voice, pushing with a stronger voice for the solutions that we all support.
We must be guided by our national duty, not by the outcome of the next election.
We must work together in cross-party committees.
We are willing to appoint officials approved by a broad consensus into key positions.
We will take on board any political proposals that lead us towards – rather than away from – our goals.
We all know that the state and public sector need deep reforms in order to cope with the current crisis. We must put our house in order now to avoid future crises. We must live up to the challenges of these difficult times and live up to the expectations of our citizens. We can and must prove that we can transcend our political differences for the good of our country. Each of us must show solidarity to our citizens, by working together.
First, transcending our political differences is essential in order to change Greece. We must cast aside petty party politics and populist tactics. We must put our country first. That is the surest way to restore a sense of hope.
Second, we must demonstrate that we are serious to our international partners. That we take our responsibilities to our creditors seriously. That we are serious in our efforts to ensure that Greece can stand on its own two feet again – without international monitoring or loans. Let us all show the sense of responsibility that the circumstances demand.
Third, if we work together our decisions will have lasting results. We will succeed in overcoming opposition from vested interests, big and small, and resistance from those who do not want national solidarity, who do not want Greece to change.
The Mid-term Plan is part of an ongoing process of negotiations with our international partners. In March, we succeeded in securing in extension for the repayment and a reduction in the interest rates on the 110 billion euro loan we received.
Now, we face another series of tough negotiations with the EU. At the next EU summit at the end of June, I will do my duty, as always, to fight for the best possible outcome for Greece. However, if we enter into these negotiations with a clear Mid-Term Plan that has broad political and public support, our negotiating position will be much stronger. This would constitute a guarantee for our European partners. A guarantee that Greece is a country worth investing in. A guarantee that is worth their while to support us while we make the tough but necessary changes to put our house in order.
I am all too aware of the difficulties, the pressures that every Greek family is going through. The sense of insecurity and worries about what the future holds.
I also know that it is up to us to navigate a course out of this crisis.
To turn this crisis into the greatest opportunity we have to radically reform our country.
To change Greece for the better.
We will not give up the fight now. We are already half way down the road.
But we will emerge from this crisis faster, and we will reboot our economy more effectively, if we all work together, as Greeks.
I know that we can do this. Together, we can succeed.
For the good of our country. For the future security of our children.
Thank you.