The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras began the first meeting of the new ministerial council on Friday, by congratulating the new ministers and wished them the best in performing their duties.
In his speech he noted the government has received one mandate, to work hard, in order to help Greece escape the crisis and supervision from its partners. Mr. Tsipras noted over the next four years they must work towards growth, with social concerns in mind.
As such, he underlined the need to begin implementing the bailout agreements without delays, so that the first review can begin, which includes a discussion on debt relief. At the same time the recapitalization of the banks is set to begin.
According to the Prime Minister, it is time to live up to the expectations of the Greek people and demonstrate how the government can be efficient not just at negotiating, but also implementing the reforms and governing in the interests of the Greek people.
Mr. Tsipras stressed aside from the financial concerns and reforms, the country had to address the refugee and migration crisis, which is a challenge that is affecting the whole of Europe. He further elaborated that “solidarity means sharing the responsibility” and lamented “after the fall of the Berlin Wall, new walls are being erected in Europe today”.
The Prime Minister proposed the establishment of three essential sectors of coordination: the Government Council of Financial Policy, the Government Council of Social Policy and the Government Council of National Defense (KYSEA). In concluding his opening statement, Mr. Tsipras argued that he decided on his cabinet ministers to govern, not to make television appearances, stressing that actions speak louder than words.
