ΦΙΛΙΑ

Interim Prime Minister instructions to Ministers

on 18 May 2012 ΦΙΛΙΑ

“Few words and hard work” summarize Interim Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikramenos instructions in the first meeting of the Ministers’ Council.
The aim of the caretaker government is to lead the country to a safe port in the forthcoming elections so that a political solution is given.

Mr. Pikramenos said that both himself as well as all Ministers have agreed not to receive the salary provided for the interim Prime Minister and the members of his cabinet.

Finally, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defense Petros Moliviatis and and Fragos Fragoulis will represent the Greek government at the NATO summit meeting in Chicago next week, said P. Panagiotis Pikramenos .
Greek Prime Minister P. Pikramenos accompanied by Finance Minister Giorgos Zannia will represent Greece at the EU Summit meeting next week.

Pre-election campaign intensifies

on 18 May 2012 ΦΙΛΙΑ

Greece is witnessing a high pitched campaign ahead of 17 June elections, with both ND and PASOK strongly criticising SYRIZA party. ND leader Antonis Samaras launched a strong attack against SYRIZA maintaining that its positions lead to the country’s exit from euro.

PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos attributed SYRIZA the responsibility for the call of new elections and proposed the formation of a government supported by the “responsible center-left” after the elections.

On his part, SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras denounced a “dirty war” against his party, stressing that “remaining in the euro is put at risk only by the bankrupt policies of the memorandum”.

IMF returns to Athens after 17 June elections

on 18 May 2012 ΦΙΛΙΑ

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Thursday announced the suspension of contacts with Greece till the formation of a government after 17 June elections.

“We are looking forward to beginning contacts with the future Greek government as soon as it is formed”, said IMF spokesman David Hawley, letting be understood that IMF will not work with the interim government.

EU Parliament President Martin Schults visits Athens

on 18 May 2012 ΦΙΛΙΑ

The President of the European Parliament Martin Schultz is paying a working visit to Athens on Friday, 18 June. He will meet with the President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, political party leaders and representatives of social groups and sectors. Mr. Schultz said, in an interview, that possible Greek exit from euro “would not be the end of a negative cycle but the beginning of an even more negative cycle”.