The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-26

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Independence and Coalition Scenarios

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis position on a possible coalition between the Conservatives and the Socialists in case no independent government emerges has caused a sensation. The Finance Minister noted that independent governments are the key goal, and he proposed a new agenda for the ruling party of ND (New Democracy). Socialist leader George Papandreou blasted the Government for a failing policy, insisting on a coalition with the Left, which Alexis Tsipras, SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left), rejected once again.

"Independent Governments Are Our Key Pursuit"

While political parties are studying the polls that have suggested that the party to land first place in the next vote may not be able to form an independent government, Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis made a rather daring proposal for ND (New Democracy) and PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement), in his interview with Sunday paper Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia.

"An independent government should be our key pursuit. The only case when a coalition between political parties would really mean something would be between the two largest ones, provided they could agree on promoting some really difficult reforms, which no political party can take the cost to promote on its own," stressed Alogoskoufis.

Socialist leader George Papandreou, on the other hand, insisted on a coalition with the Left. He dropped hints, though, that SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) entrenches its political space.

"The radical changes we are after require radical consensus and social alliances. Coalition, either pre- or post-election, maximizes the chances of success."

SYRIZA head Alexis Tsipras yet again opposed a coalition with PASOK, in his interview with Imerisia paper.

"We oppose a pre-election coalition with PASOK, because we are not opportunists of power. PASOK is just interested in coming back to power. It is its right, but not with our help."

At the same time, in his interview with Eleftherotypia paper, George Papandreou blasted the Karamanlis administration for a failing policy and a campaign to cover up the Siemens and Germanos scandals. He also predicted his party would win at the 2009 elections for the EU parliament.

"PASOK is fighting so that the peoples vote means something and is decisive. However, it is common knowledge that the vote for the EU parliament has different traits, for people feel that it is not the governments work to be judged," stressed Papandreou.

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