Galery

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From the outset, it was clear that we needed consensus and therefore we are forming a new government. It will implement unanimously the decisions of October 26-27, will carry out the reduction of foreign debt held by private creditors (PSI) and lay the foundations for a change in the mentality that has brought the country here. This was the message of outgoing Prime Minister George Papandreou minutes before his meeting with the President of the Republic, Carlos Papoulias, to dissolve the present socialist government.

Papandreou said that the formation of a government of national unity was not only necessary for Greece to remain in the euro area, but also to overcome the hard internal crisis experienced.

The interim coalition government would send a message to institutional lenders of the country (Europe and the International Monetary Fund) about Greece’s ability to take responsibility and work in unity, Papandreou stressed. Its task would be to implement the agreements with Europe to make Greece more secure and more stable, to enable it rely on its own strength, rather than on loans and credits, Papandreou said. The PASOK leader noted that the lower debt would give greater security. Lower interest rates would make it possible to invest more in economic development.

"Now, we are all surpassing ourselves. In these two years, we have faced the biggest challenge that the country has known in recent decades. I am proud that despite the dramatic difficulties we have, all together, succeeded in keeping the country standing. Even with flaws, we have managed not to go through bankruptcy. "

He described his rule as a success because Greece has managed to take financial aid from European countries and the International Monetary Fund. Thus, it has not gone completely bankrupt. Papandreou stated that thanks to the people Greece has managed and now, the foundations were being laid of a new government model that would be more stable and would ensure better functioning of the state in the medium term.

"I have never put my post, personal or political price to be paid above the national interest, because for me, Greece comes before all else," said Papandreou pathetically at the end of his speech. He explained that being Greek was a matter of choice and he had chosen it because he had the flag of Greek honour and pride in his heart. His aim has always been to create Greece of greater opportunities, which it has the potential to become. He thanked the Greeks, his ministers and associates, and then headed to the presidential building to forward the resignation of the cabinet.

The name of the new Prime Minister of Greece is not yet known.