The former Prime Minister of Greece, Jorgos Papandreu, leader of the
newest political party, the Democratic Socialist Movement, gave an
interview for Top Channel, a few hours before the early elections in his
country.
“Greece fell into an economic crisis. I think that the reason for this economic crisis is the political one. The restructuring of the state, the fight against corruption, more transparency and more meritocracy. These issues were huge during these past 10-15 years. Greece grew up, and these issues were not told to us. This is the reason why we entered a crisis and needed the troika to intervene. I believe that these issues were ignored by the government and also by the party I used to be in. I think that we need involve the Greek citizens so they can make changes. For this reason I have proposed a referendum”, Papandreu declared.
When asked about his responsibilities regarding the crisis, Papandreu declared that he had to manage the crisis left by a previous government, with a deficit at 50.6%, twice the debt Greece had so far. They had also falsified statistics for covering it, according to Papandreu, adding that he was the one who had to pay for the responsibilities and mistakes of others by taking very difficult austerity decisions.
As for the polls, which suggest that the radical left party might be the winner, Papandreu says that he is skeptic for what they might do, but he doesn’t exclude cooperation if they support their initiatives.
“What is happening now with Syriza is a vote of protest against the problems of the past 5-6 years. What will happen if Syriza comes in power, no one really knows. That’s why I said that we need a referendum, because whatever discussion made between Greece and the EU, the Greek citizens must sign and vote” Papandreu declared.
When asked about the maritime agreement with Albania, Papandreu declared that a solution is for the good of both countries.
“There was an agreement with the former government which was rejected by the Constitutional Court of Albania. We hope we will be able to finalize it. It should be seen as a winning situation for all. The Greek side considers that agreement as realized. There are points that can be renegotiated, but I believe that both parties might find a solution by working together with this. Because, after all, it is on the interest of both parties to be able to use our exclusive economic areas”, Papandreu declared.
As for the Cham issue, the former Greek Prime Minister considered it a painful history for both countries, and that now people should not restart the flames of pain, but should take a lesson from them.
Papandreu declared that both countries should see the legal view of it, since, on his experience, Greece has always said that these issues can be resolved at the Human Rights Court.
Papandreu, known for his positive policies regarding Albania during the term of his government, expressed his trust that the Albanians in Greece with the right to vote will support him, and promised that he will keep being among the biggest supporters of Albanians in Greece.
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