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The meeting between Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and opposition leader Antonis Samaras began with a 45-minute delay. Although no one knows what the former roommates and present political opponents will speak about, no one excludes the possibility of the meeting being crucial for the political developments in Greece.

According to some sources, days before the crisis summit of the European Union the Prime Minister will ask the leader of New Democracy to "join forces" during the final phase of negotiations on the final settlement of the Greek debt problem, even with the participation of politicians from the main opposition party in the composition of the cabinet. The same sources claim that George Papandreou will stand firmly behind his position and that currently, it is not possible for a third party to take the post of Prime Minister, whether a politician or technocrat. According to other commentators, George Papandreou has already prepared a proposal for a possible joint government of PASOK and New Democracy not only during this, but also during the next government term. These specific sources indicate that this scenario provides for a prime-minister post for Antonis Samaras, if New Democracy wins the next election, and a person having the confidence of both parties is appointed as finance minister. There is great interest in the outcome of the meeting, although a day ago, the New Democracy leader called for early elections as the only solution. "If he is not able to handle the situation, let him withdraw and declare elections," said Antonis Samaras in a tone that definitely puts paid to any hope for possible mutual governance.  

George Papandreou’s dramatic speech to PASOK deputies continued for an hour and ended at 19:20. It aimed to persuade them all to support the bill of the Ministry of Finance, which will introduce severe changes in the public sector and has therefore turned all civil servants in the country against George Papandreou and his government.

"It is our obligation to wage a war in order for the country to win ... we must show composure and confrontation," said George Papandreou, adding that he did not have to explain to voters, but to the Greeks and history.

"We have learnt from history ... Our role is not to let the same mistake happen again," he said and defined the parliamentary group as the pillar of stability that will help Greece emerge from the crisis as quickly as possible. "We should all understand our responsibilities: citizens, businessmen and judges."

"Some rely on hatred and bad patriotism," said the Greek Prime Minister and defined the phenomenon as a pandemic that would reap it all. He also attacked the previous government, accusing it of ruining the country and leaving it unprotected against the deepening crisis.

Commenting on the wave of occupations of government offices and ministries, George Papandreou asked whether the destruction of the country would contribute to the termination of supervision by the International Monetary Fund. "We are being criticized for not negotiating. Is that so? How then have we found € 110 billion to pay salaries and pensions? Has someone given them to us? Have we not fought for them? Were these negotiations unsuccessful?"asked the Greek Prime Minister, adding that those who have never participated in negotiations abroad have no right to criticize him and his government.

George Papandreou expressed his belief that the PASOK deputies "will show patriotism and fulfill their duty" to vote in favour of the bill of the Ministry of Finance on Thursday. "The real enemy is not a government which is trying to bring order; the real enemy is succeeding all together to create a new homeland." George Papandreou also said, "The interests of the banks do not always coincide with state interests, but the interest of the country is to respond to the events that concern it." He gave assurance that Greek banks are not threatened by bankruptcy. "The positions of some people can collapse, not the banks, because we guarantee this." He even wondered how it was possible for banks to lend to broadcasters who have debts of € 500 million, while refusing loans to medium- and small-sized companies.

At the end of his speech, the Greek Prime Minister called on all political forces in the country to support him before the European summit on Sunday. "Every article in the bill is an argument and a commitment to our partners. The vote on Thursday should enable us to continue to negotiate."

It will become clear on Thursday whether George Papandreou managed to convince the deputies of his party to save his government once again. Meanwhile, one of them has resigned, and the former Minister of Employment, Louka Katseli, has voted against Article 37, which provides for the abolition of collective labour agreements during the debates in the parliamentary committee. The common letter by Ministers Diamandopoulou, Loverdos and Ragousis is still provoking responses and discussions and for the next two days, Greece will be paralyzed by the strike of public and private sector employees' unions.

Noteworthy is the Communist Party's call to its supporters to protest along with other strikers, which has never happened before.