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Thursday, 21 November 2024
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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-03-06The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] High Pitched Dispute over EconomyA question on the economy gave rise to a high pitched dispute between the Prime-minister and the opposition leader. Kostas Karamanlis underlined that the government has both reacted on time and has a plan for the country's exit from the financial crisis which he described as a national issue. He blamed G. Papandreou for illimitable talks about early elections putting at the same time an end to the issue of early elections. On his part, G. Papandreou spoke of communication games, flat failure and a government that has no plan and refused to agree to the Prime-minister's call for consensus.K. Karamanlis Ruled out Early elections The government took early and decisive actions to deal with the impacts of the world financial crisis and it is working to protect employment, stressed the Prime-minister in response to PASOK president question regarding liquidity problems in the market. Mr. Karamanlis attributed to petty partisan expediencies G. Papandreou refusal to his call for consensus. He referred to Spain, Finland and Sweden which avoided serious threats because social partners and political forces sat at the same table and reached common positions on major issues. We have or should have the duty to do the same Mr. Karamanlis said, adding that if PASOK leader realizes even today the need for national consensus he should prove it. Mr. Karamanlis ruled out early elections and reconfirmed that the country is not facing a problem with borrowing. He also underlined that in yesterday's meetings with political leaders he asked no one for a blank check but only the self-evident, to agree on six elementary points, a reasonable frame to draw the country's course in the next years and for the next governments. G. Papandreou Described Call for Consensus as Communication Game G. Papandreou described as communication game the Prime-minister's proposals during his meetings with political party leaders. In parallel, he accused the Prime-minister for being solely interested in saving his government and the interests it represents. Furthermore, G. Papandreou said that the government has failed and it is trying to cover its failures under the veil of the world financial crisis. " Neither EU partners nor the Greek people trust the government which does not indicate willingness to change course that the country needs. ND party might have gone bankrupt but we would not allow you to lead Greece to bankruptcy, stressed PASOK president. Concluding he said: "this is why we need a new beginning, a government by the panhellenic Socialist Movement to take the country ahead with optimism and a plan". Reactions In an interview with NET 105.8, ND deputy George Sourlas said that cooperation is necessary to protect the country's interests and deal with the problems. PASOK deputy Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou said that the government is building a new one-way road, adding that the Greek people can not pay the burden of the crisis with an unjust redistribution. Nikos Houndis, secretary of the SYN Central Committee said that for the Prime-minister base for consensus are either assessments or policies that will not resolve problems. Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA Relevant Articles : Three Objections, One Agreement to PM's call for Consensus News item: 19742 [02] Karamanlis: âThe Crisis is a National IssueâIn his message to Greek people, Prime-minister K. Karamanlis announced the frame for consensus which he discussed during his meetings with opposition party leaders. In parallel, he expressed his disappointment at the political party leaders negative stand to his call for consensus but he added that the government would follow the road of responsibility, stressing that each party is responsible for its selections and actions. The Prime-minister stressed that the impacts of the financial crisis are getting worse while the huge state debt the ND government has inherited did not allow room for flexibility. He characteristically noted that the country needs 12 billion euros annually to pay for interests, adding that the state debt was even a threat to the country's economic stability.Karamanlis Speech The world economic situation is deteriorating day by day and world organizations' forecast are more pessimistic. It is impossible to make predictions about the length and dimension of the financial crisis. Several EU member states have entered into recession. The International employment Organization has forecast layoffs of50 million people, of them 3.5 million people in the EU. There is high concern and feeling of insecurity in all countries. The impacts of the financial crisis have affected our country. The fact, however, that the government in the last 5 years reduced the state deficit and unemployment rate and achieved growth pace higher than average Eurozone pace, has proved most significant in these difficult circumstances. Even though the country is facing serious difficulties due to the huge state debt the government has inherited, having to pay 12 billion euros annually for interests. This heavy burden strictly limits Economic flexibility and threatens economic stability. The road ahead is difficult and demands high alert, intensification of efforts and certainly the necessary flexibility to make the necessary adoptions and improvements. News item: 19729 The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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