Samaras approves Eurogroup decision and calls for elections
New Democracy party Greek President Antonis Samaras said during his visit to Nicosia: “The decision of the Eurogroup is significant and positive, because it removes the risk of bankruptcy of the country, ensuring the European perspective, it gives the potential to become viable debt and paves the way for elections."
He also made clear that the Cyprus problem remains Greece's top priority despite its economic woes.
Early elections have always been on the mind of the opposition leader.
However, with a change in leadership due to the resignation of Andreas Papandreou as prime minister, these plans were put on hold. Now, Samaras is calling for even earlier elections than once suggested, perhaps even as early as April.
Nevertheless, he praised the Eurogroup but patted his party on the back for being the decisive factor in the vote. He stated: "Without the affirmative vote of the party, there would be no possibility of cutting debt or reduce borrowing costs in the country, nor the conclusion of a new loan. Decisions, which illustrates the great difference for us between the first and second memorandum, demonstrate the correctness of our choices."
He continued: "Today [21 February] a circle of uncertainty, ambiguity and retract closed, which was opened two years ago by the acts and omissions of PASOK."
Samaras made clear that Greece has "bought some valuable time and has openned a window of hope" which the country will use to complete its policies, pass measures to halt the recession, and to revive the economy and at simultaneously reduce unemployment.
He also noted that "in a Greece that hurts and her people suffering, this is no time for celebration”, and concluded: "The great battle for Greece's recovery is now beginning, one where New Democracy will take the lead."
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