The former Minister of State Nikos Pappas argued general elections were called because the SYRIZA-led government was overthrown “from within”, in an interview for the Athens-Macedonia News Agency.
Mr. Pappas commented that no left-wing or progressive person would like to see the old establishment return and that if New Democracy was currently power then the auctions of homes would have already begun.
When asked about the elections, Mr. Pappas responded that after securing an agreement “with many prospects”, his party needed a clear mandate to carry on and noted that the cycle of inter-party discussions is over.
Regarding the upcoming pension cuts, Mr. Pappas explained that annual pension expenses dropped by 40% due to the bailouts and argued that the small hike in contributions is “fully reciprocal” since the healthcare contributions will increase.
