"This man is Nero. He has lit fires everywhere. He is dangerous and should withdraw immediately," was the first response of the leadership group of New Democracy to the events that had developed late last night in Cannes. The main opposition party in Greece sharply criticized prime minister George Papandreou and its leader Antonis Samaras called him "an adventurer who must withdraw at any cost."
While processes for the removal of George Papandreou from the leadership are already running in the ruling party, New Democracy is preparing to issue an official statement about the avalanche of political events, spreading all around Greece. Close associates of the leader Antonis Samaras has suggested to reporters what would be the lead line, "What is important is the country to receive the six tranche to be able to negotiate then."
From New Democracy, they do not exclude the possibility the party to take part in a national unity government, but without George Papandreou in its composition. It seems that the scenario preferred by the right wing is this government to rule for some time and announce elections, having previously secured financing for Greece. Deputy and former minister of justice Sotiris Hatzigakis urged the party to participate in the national unity government.
"Blues" believe that this time George Papandreou will agree to withdraw from the premiership and will not react like a few months ago, when during a phone conversation between them, Antonis Samaras had called him to resign, but he refused.
Antonis Samaras and his closest associates followed startled last night the statements by Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy, and allegations of prime minister Papandreou, who told reporters that in Greece there was an internal challenge for the country's membership in European institutions.
Although New Democracy doubts that the planned speeches of political leaders in the framework of the vote of confidence in the government will be this evening, Antonis Samaras’ response is expected to be very sharp and angry.
In a statement made earlier today, the leader of the far-right party LAOS, George Karatzaferis has referred to the importance, which New Democracy positive response will have to the formation of a government of national salvation.
"Six months ago, I told George Papandreou "You should withdraw now to do it with dignity, because after a while you could not even do that." Today, Mr. Papandreou cannot withdraw with dignity. But whether Papandreou will say "yes" or "no" is much less important. What is crucial is the positive response by Mr. Samaras to whom I am appealing in public."
The leader of Democratic Alliance Dora Bakogiannis has also supported the government of national unity to implement the agreement of October 27 fully and then to hold elections.
"It is extremely important every one of us to realize the tremendous responsibility we have. Never before has our country been so close to the possibility of an uncontrolled bankruptcy. We are obliged to all Greeks and especially to the next generations to put state interests above any personal or party interest," she said.
Greek Communist Party and the left coalition SYRIZA leaders stated the only way out of this situation would be early elections.
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