Vice President Theodoros Pangalos, in referring to the possibility of a government reshuffle, said that this should be sweeping in its breadth rather than a change of one or two ministers. In an interview appearing in the Sunday edition of Ethnos newspaper, Pangalos also underlined that Prime Minister George Papandreou had the exclusive authority to decide a reshuffle, at anytime he choses.
Replying to questions, Pangalos rejected criticism that the ruling PASOK party was doing the opposite of what it had been saying when it was the main opposition party, and stressed that the major reforms being advanced, such as that of the social security system, as well as the austere economic measures that have affected the largest part of the Greek society, are “necessary” in the sense that their aim is to streamline the public finances, ensure balance in the social security system, avoid default, and restore the country’s credibility in the international markets.
Pangalos acknowledged possible delays and mistakes while on media reports of disagreements and clashes among ministers, he stressed that “there is no such thing as a government without disagreements”. The aim he added, is a synthesis of all the views, which are in the best interests of the country.
He expressed conviction that the Greek people’s sacrifices will not be in vain, and criticised the opposition that every time a weakness of the government arises, it claps its hands in joy but doesn’t present convincing alternative proposals.
Pangalos opined that main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Antonis Samaras was committing “political suicide” because he was trying to carry on with the failed policy of former Premier and ND leader Costas Karamanlis.
As for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), he said that it publicly expresses its opposition to the country’s form of government and social system, while the other parties of the Left suffice in engaging in a “pseudo-revolutionary phraseology”.
(source: ana-mpa)
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