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The leader of New Democracy made serious accusations against prime minister Papandreou during the debate on the occasion of the vote of confidence in government. "Mr. Papandreou pretends that he does not understand ... I have asked for his resignation, I have not proposed to form a joint government," Antonis Samaras said, accusing the prime minister that he was lying and blackmailing to keep his post.

"I have said quite clearly that the loan agreement is quite different from the measures it implies," said the opposition leader. He added that New Democracy opposition to the policy applied in Greece remains unchanged. Antonis Samaras said that today's Greek government does not enjoy any trust inside the country or abroad.

New Democracy leader repeated his proposal to form a provisional government with the sole purpose the parliament to vote on the new loan agreement and early elections. Antonis Samaras said that neither he received, nor had he made a proposal to form a government with the participation of all parties or for joint government.

At the end of his angry speech, he said that New Democracy withdrew from the debate to give a vote of confidence in government.

George Papandreou might be convinced or at least he would like to show that once again he would be able to disturb the political life of the country and then to continue to be prime minister. Seemingly, many of the PASOK deputies, however, are not.

"I am ashamed for the party and the country," said Vasso Papandreou during the meeting of the parliamentary group. She insisted to speak, although it was not planned and criticised the prime minister and the government for the dramatic events on Wednesday.
 
"Yesterday was a tragedy. Today, it seems that the government is not very well aware and knows nothing about the state of the Greek society."

Vasso Papandreou said, "today's events are dangerous for the country and the party" and added that she expected the resignation of the cabinet," so that tomorrow the president to initiate the formation of the government with the members of this Parliament."

Similar was the reaction of her counterpart Dimitris Lindzeris, who earlier today had said that George Papandreou is gone. The MP said he could not continue to support the government if the Prime Minister did not announce an initiative to form a government of national responsibility.

At the end of the speech of the prime minister the minister of education Anna Diamantopoulou requested "to clarify the framework of the parliamentary group, which was agreed at the meeting of the Council of Ministers."

"Negotiations for consent must begin now," she said and explained that she referred to a government of national consensus.

In response, George Papandreou agreed that negotiations with New Democracy should begin, but added, "We are the government of national salvation. But, of course, a government with a broad vision is what we want."