The Prime Minister Antonis Samaras addressed the Greek people yesterday, heralding the end of the six-year recession and stressing that in 2014 Greece will make its first great leap to exit the bailout.
Mr. Samaras explained that 2013 was “year zero” and that “the light is starting to peek at the end of the tunnel” after his government put an end to the collapse, while promising that 2014 will be the first year of growth. The Prime Minister optimistically noted that “we have left the worst behind us” and committed to returning this year’s primary surplus to the people.
The Prime Minister praised the Greek people’s efforts and sacrifices, while underlining that “mistakes were made and will rectify them. Injustices were also committee and we will rectify them too. That is my worry, my duty and my responsibility”. The primary surplus, according to the PM is the foundation of the country’s financial independence.
Furthermore Mr. Samaras claimed that in 2014 the Greek debt will officially be declared “viable” and there will be no more need for loans and bailouts, while stressing that Greece’s partners must now live up to their promises and deliver. Mr. Samaras referred to the next set of reforms his government will undertake, including the constitutional review.
While he did not make a direct reference to SYRIZA, Mr. Samaras scrutinized the opposition for disputing his coalition government’s achievements and accused the opposition of basing its politics on “divisive populism” and “party slogans that promise better things but always lead to worse”.
Mr. Samaras also referred to yesterday’s terrorist attack against the German ambassador’s residence in Halandri and asserted that the “cowardly attack” would not “subvert stability in Greece”.
