The President of Democracy Karolos Papoulias decided to announce his intention to retire from politics at the New Year celebration for the employees of presidency, at the Presidential Manor.
At the event, where there were few journalists and no television cameras present, Mr. Papoulias went from table to table to wish staff members well for the New Year.
The President eventually addressed the few journalists and explained that he would “be here in March, to hand over [authority] to my successor”. The director of the president’s office K. Bitsios claimed that the comment was meant to be “off the record”.
When asked whether there would be general elections in 2014, the President avoided giving a definite answer and criticized the troika: “we should move on to growth, it is necessary to kick the troika”. When pressed again, Mr. Papoulias responded “no, I don’t predict elections”.
Additionally it was announced that the President will attend the Winter Olympic Games at Sochi, between the 6th and 8th of February. There is a possibility that Mr. Papoulias will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
