The Prime Minister Antonis Samaras was present at yesterday’s award ceremony organized by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EVEA). Mr. Samaras referred to the closure of ERT, which he characterized as “a symbol of corruption and waste”.

Mr. Samaras explained that “we are not shutting down public radio and television, as some say. On the contrary we will now have a truly public radio and television”. In reference to the 2,600 employees, the Prime Minister claimed that they will be compensated and many will be rehired.

Mr. Samaras noted that the reactions to the closure are “the last spasms of a benefit regime that is collapsing”, admitting that all previous attempts to restructure ERT “resulted in nothing”. The PM also added that “ERT was on strike whenever something important or positive happened”.