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The only way is to start developing the Greek economy. Measures are necessary in this direction and we have already made suggestions. One of them is to reduce tax rates to be competitive with Bulgaria, for example. Here I can give the following example: A friend of mine has a factory in Inofyta and one in Bulgaria. Operating costs of the plant in Greece are three times higher than of the plant in Bulgaria. This means that it is necessary to facilitate business operations, create a favourable environment for investment and promote exports. Because among other things, in the last 15-20 years, Greece has consumed more than it produces and imported more than it exports.

To achieve these things we need to change the tax system. For example, export companies in Greece pay huge amounts of VAT, which is not returned for a long time. This makes them uncompetitive with Italian companies, for example. Investing in our country should become just as attractive as it is in Bulgaria, which is also a member of the European Union. And in all cases, more attractive than investing in Turkey, a neighbouring country that is not an EU member but offers a lot more to investors.

All this is related to the presence of an efficient state administration, which does not exist here. What is the position of New Democracy on cutting the public sector? How could it happen?

We support its cutting. The Greek public sector is very large. An acquaintance of mine, a foreign diplomat, jokingly said that Greece was the last Soviet republic in Europe. When I asked him why, he replied, "Because of the percentage of employees in the public sector compared with the total number of employees and how the Greek economy is dependent on it. In practice, you are the last Soviet republic in Europe." Perhaps the definition of the diplomat is exaggerated, but certainly it is not groundless. Therefore, the large public sector becomes a burden that places obstacles to private sector development. Surely, changes are necessary, but on the other hand, it is impossible to throw tens or hundreds of thousands of people into the streets. Their transition to different employment arrangements should be carried out smoothly, because we cannot afford a further increase in unemployment. We have already reached the limits that Greek society is able to endure. Therefore, we have proposed another plan for the labour reserve that reduces government spending without throwing away tens of thousands of people as if they are useless. The aim is to emerge from the crisis all together. This is true for Greece and I think it should apply to the rest of Europe. This crisis is the first serious test for the European Union and the famous European solidarity. Europeans have proved that we are good to each other in good times. Now, when it is hard, will we be able to show that we are as good as a team? This is the decisive bet for Europe.

What is your position on privatizations and utilization of state property?

State property utilization should be carried out in the best possible way. Under these conditions, we will not get even a tenth of the expected revenue. Therefore, an action plan is necessary and appropriate conditions that will bring the best possible results.

However, there are things that could and should be carried out very quickly. I am talking about the privatization of many state enterprises. A typical example is the Greek State Railways OSE. The need to privatize this company is huge not only because its maintenance costs Greek taxpayers two million a day but also for the sake of the company. Today, railways carry out only 2% of total transportation in Greece, while the corresponding rate for Europe is between 20 and 30%. I think the economy will benefit from improving the railways. I know that there is investor interest in the railways from Russia. It is clear that this country has extensive experience in this field. One such investment will not only help the economy, but also our finances, because we understand the problems resulting from the loss of two million euros daily. I think that privatization should take place as soon as possible and I really do not understand why the government of George Papandreou did nothing about OSE for two years. I have even found out that they have refused to provide information to interested investors. The Greek government has responded to the demonstrated interest with silence.
 
One of the oldest members of New Democracy, Sotiris Hatzigakis, was disaffiliated two days ago. Today, another one, Panos Kamenos, is expected to be diasffiliated if he keeps his threat of not giving a vote of confidence in government. What is your comment?

The only thing I could say about the case of Mr. Hatzigakis is that "the principle shows the man." I say this because in the ministries entrusted to him he acted in a way typical for the times gone by. And this is the most modest definition I could give. I do not think he is the most appropriate person to complain about the democratic mode of action in the party. I do not want to say anything else because he is no longer a member of New Democracy.

Panos Kamenos’ case is different. We are friends and I respect him. Nevertheless, I do not think he has the right to believe that he is "more sensitive" than other members of New Democracy. He violates the team spirit in this way. We have reached an agreement because of the need to save the country. When you sign a contract, you give and take. We have to support the government of Lucas Papademos for the specified period of time and for the implementation of specific objectives.