The New Greek Parliament held its first meeting

21 June 2012 / 22:06:16 GRReporter

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Anastasia Balezdrova

The oath ceremony of the new Greek government in the presidency started with a half hour delay. The new Minister of Justice Antonis Roupakiotis, who is supported by the Democratic Left and was caretaker Minister of Employment was late.

"I was late, but justice will not be delayed," he said jokingly and recalled that one of his main tasks will be to speed up the process of justice. The ceremony itself did not last more than half an hour, including the signatures.

Shortly before 8 pm, the members of the first coalition cabinet led by Prime Minister and leader of New Democracy Antonis Samaras left the courtyard of the presidency and headed on foot to the parliament to hold its first meeting.

Outside, supporters of the "blue," which are the majority in government, met them with applause and best wishes for success.

Antonis Samaras and his ministers walked the distance from the presidency to the parliament. Dozens of operators and photographers of Greek and international media were in front of them and around them.

The new ministers smiled, gave interviews and hurried to not fall behind the others. The movement in Vassilis Sofias Avenue did not stop for a moment because ministers, journalists, cameramen, photographers and citizens filled the sidewalk. Some had even climbed on the railings of the fence of the National Park to be able to film.

The first meeting of the cabinet included only the Prime Minister's speech. He announced that ministers' salaries will be reduced by 30% and official vehicles will be minimized. Antonis Samaras said that the "unseen" programme agreement of the government, which "is unified, although it is a triple coalition," would be presented.

“Work and its outcome is what matters to me. Each ministry will work with a programme of specific objectives and concrete deadlines," the Greek Prime Minister said.

He advised the ministers to be careful "because the difficulties are many and the risk of intergovernmental unrest is high." Antonis Samaras urged them to avoid frequently appearing on TVs and said that a central plan for communicating the government activities would be established "to avoid phenomena such as conflicting opinions and confusion."

"I want you to give me solutions. I will not accept that any of you justify the lack of jurisdiction on an issue. I will come to your departments when you will not expect me too," Antonis Samaras warned the ministers.